We check in with people at each stage of the cash transfer process to see how things are going. Take a look at some of their stories as they appear here in real-time.
Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming years, I want to accomplish several important goals for myself and my family. Right now, my main focus is on paying for my own school fees, as I believe education is crucial for a better future. Once I finish my studies, I will shift my attention to paying for my children's education, ensuring they have the same opportunities I’ve worked hard to achieve. Furthermore, I plan to marry another wife who can help me raise my two boys and support our family. I envision that all the income to support these goals will come from my farming efforts, which I am committed to growing and improving. With dedication and hard work, I am confident that I can create a stable and promising future for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did a great job when they came to our village. They held meetings during the barazas and promised us money, which we received without any issues. There were no bribes involved, and they did not take advantage of us, showing no discrimination during the enrollment process. I appreciate how well all their strategies were followed and how transparent the process was. However, I noticed that some people were left out and did not get enrolled, and they were not informed about the reasons why. If possible, I suggest they try to include everyone in the program to ensure that no one is left behind.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving the cash transfer was a turning point for me, as it allowed me to focus on my education and provide for my family. I have been studying for a diploma in literature, and with the money, I was able to pay my school fees, which cost $250. Farming has been my source of income, primarily through growing vegetables, which has helped me sustain my studies and support my two boys after my wife and I separated four years ago. Furthermore, with the remaining $200, I prepared land, bought seeds, and paid for labor to plant watermelons. Watermelon is a good choice because it’s marketable and doesn't require much management. Plus, it has a short growing period, allowing me to harvest within two months. Currently, I have vegetables growing alongside my watermelon farm, and the income from these vegetables helps me purchase fuel for the generators I use to pump water for irrigation. I feel grateful for this opportunity, as it has enabled me to balance my education and provide for my family. With hard work and careful planning, I am optimistic about the future. I hope to continue growing my farming business while completing my studies, ensuring a better life for my boys and myself.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18240 KES ($142 USD)
access_time 2 months ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was out in the field fencing my farm, and I received $180 from GiveDirectly. This news filled me with immense joy and gratitude, both to God and to GiveDirectly. My first thought was to use this money to improve my house by adding an extra room. This would make it more comfortable for me and my two boys. I also invested in roofing, and now I am pleased to have a house that is on par with the others in the area.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest change in my life since I started receiving transfers from GiveDirectly has been my housing situation. I’ve upgraded from a single-room to a two-room house with modern, durable roofing. This new home is spacious and comfortable for my family. Although I plan to add a kitchen in the future, that wasn’t a priority for me right now. I am incredibly grateful to GiveDirectly for making my dream come true with their unconditional cash transfers.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Recently, after receiving $180 from GiveDirectly, I used the funds to improve my house. It was previously just one room with old, damaged roofing. I spent all the money buying iron sheets, frames, and posts to enhance the house. Now, I have a comfortable two-room house perfect for me and my kids. I also upgraded the roofing to a more modern and durable type. I look forward to going home each evening because of how beautiful it has become, just as I envisioned. With this improvement completed, I hope to receive the next transfers from GiveDirectly so that I can continue my education. I had to drop out of school after secondary school due to financial constraints, but with the upcoming transfers, I have the opportunity to enroll in college.
Enrolled
access_time 4 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Receiving this money is truly a dream come true for me. My first priority will be using the initial transfers to improve my house, replacing some essential household items that were lost during the recent floods. The second installment will go towards paying my fees as I pursue a teaching course at a nearby college. For the third transfer, I plan to invest in agriculture, planting maize on my family's 3-acre land to ensure financial security and sustain myself through my education. With these plans in motion, I am now filled with hope, knowing that a bright future lies ahead for me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am deeply passionate about education. It saddens me when my siblings are occasionally sent home due to unpaid fees. However, in the past six months, I experienced immense joy when my sister earned a scholarship from the Equity Foundation to pursue her secondary education based on her excellent exam results. The relief I felt when the burden of her school fees was lifted from my shoulders has allowed me to focus more on my own education.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have always had a strong desire to pursue my education. After completing form four, financial constraints prevented me from further studies. Nevertheless, I aim to set an example in my community that education yields success. Currently, I support myself through casual labor and farming. Unfortunately, recent floods washed away much of my hard-earned progress. Despite this setback, I remain hopeful that with the upcoming financial support, I can finally achieve my dreams.
