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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($442 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
During enrollment, I had mentioned that I would like to start up a retail business so that I can have a reliable source of income but that never happened after I got the money. My priorities changed, I saw that it was good for me to buy a dairy cow, food for the family, and pay for my school fees arrears. I would say that basic needs became a priority for me at that time. As of now, I still have my dream of owning a business shortly. The business would enable me to earn profits which shall enable me to pay my bills.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly gave us no condition on what to spend the money on. For someone like me, I prioritize what I needed to be done at that time and that was so unique about the project.
I never noticed anything that was not done well by GiveDirectly as their whole process was transparent.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had sat for my secondary education exams without clearing my school fees due to a lack of finances and after receiving my second transfer I paid KES 12000 which was in arrears. Now I got my certificate and am so happy that I can use it to seek some employment.
For the other portion, I spent KES 16000 on buying iron sheets for building a new house. I have a grass thatched house and I plan to build a better house. For the rest, I spent KES 30000 on buying a dairy cow for rearing. I had none and I am happy that I got one at the moment. I couldn't afford to buy one anytime soon since I do not have a source of income.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($475 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was early in the morning when I was checking my phone as usual. I got a message confirming that I have received money from GiveDirectly. This was one of the happiest mornings I have ever had. I felt so happy and immediately informed my family members and everyone celebrated. I knew I would be able to fulfill one of my main concerns and plans. This was to purchase a dairy cow. I am so grateful for the support because GiveDirectly has improved our living standards. Were it not GiveDirectly all this could have taken quite some time.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Purchasing a dairy cow is the biggest difference in my daily life. This is because I used to buy milk daily and this was so costly. I depend on casual jobs in the village. These casual jobs earn a small income which was only for basic needs. I had no extra money to save so that I could be able to buy a dairy cow. All the money that I would get was not enough due to recurrent household needs. I was so discouraged and stressed whenever I has no money to purchase milk for my children. When I received money from GiveDirectly I felt so happy and I knew I would be able to buy a dairy cow. Currently, I have a dairy cow and my family gets enough milk unlike before. I no longer get worried about where to get the money for milk. I can save some money that I could have used to buy milk for other basic household items. I am so grateful for the support and I look forward to improving this dairy-keeping project in the future. I have peace of mind nowadays to conduct my daily routine knowing that everything is good.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 33,000 to purchase a dairy cow. I used to buy milk daily and this was so costly for me since I do not have a continuous source of income. I depend on casual jobs in the village. This earns me a small income which was only for household basic items. I paid KES 8,000 to my former secondary school to issue me the certificate. I am so grateful because currently I have my secondary school certificate. This will be easy to enroll in any course. The rest of the money I spent on furniture, bedding and food for the family. I am so grateful because GiveDirectly has changed our living standards.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a young person with so many ambitions in life and I wish to have a stable business so that my future and that of my children is safeguarded. I have tried so much in the past to do casual jobs so that I can get some money to help me start a business but all has been in vain because all I can make is only enough to meet my daily needs. I would like to use these transfers to set up a business of buying and selling maize in the nearby town. It's a lucrative one because there's shortage of maize in this area due to the fact that this crop has been failing to reach maturity due to pests and diseases. I hope to invest the first transfers in securing a store with enough storage space then I buy the stocks with the second transfers.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The peace and tranquility I enjoy in this locality has given me enough joy in my life. I was initially living in a place not so far from here which had frequent community clashes but since I left that place more than a year ago it has been peace.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I do not have a good source of income because I only depend on casual jobs to feed this young family. I am so worried because with the current trend the future is so bleak. My family doesn't have enough clothing and the food we eat is poor nutritionally. Those are the challenges am currently facing.
