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 ($518 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life would have been very different if it were not to GD's support. We were living in grass-thatched yet mad wall house. At night we used a kerosene lamp and other occasions what to eat was a problem. But this has changed since, after the second transfers, we made electricity connections, build a bricked house with an iron roof and have invested in livestock keeping.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I was more than blessed to receive these transfers. I would not ask for anything else but be grateful for the splendid work that GD is doing in our villages. I have nothing against them but prayers that they succeed in their endeavors.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
When I received my second transfer, I facilitated the connection of electricity to my home. We were surviving on lamps to light at night. Besides that, I bought a few livestock as an investment in kind and the remaining amount I paid school fees for my children
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($544 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The transfer has greatly helped me in boosting my farming activities and for sure this season, I was able to increase my harvest proceeds. Rainfall is at times unpredictable which has always led to poor harvests. However, this season was different because I mainly made sure that I had all the farming inputs and hired oxen to plough and my farm on time. I am happy that now the plentiful harvest that I got will ensure food security for my family. The money that I would have spent on buying foodstuffs will be used on other needs.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received a message notification on my phone early that morning. When I read its contents, I realized that I had finally received my first transfer. I was so excited and grateful for the financial support since it marked the beginning of my journey towards reaching my goals.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I had been using worn-out beddings. I used to sleep on a weak traditional bed due to financial hardships. When I received my first transfer, I spent KES 28000 to buy two new mattresses and two wooden beds for my family. At last, I could afford to smile again after changing these beddings. My children are now having a good place to sleep. In addition to this, I also spent KES 21000 to prepare my farm by hiring oxen to plough my five-acre farm as well as pay for labor to weed my crops. As a result, I managed to get a good harvest. This guarantees me enough food until the next harvesting season. I spent the remaining amount to do shopping for my family.
Enrolled
access_time almost 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
In a drought stricken area where subsistence farming is my main source of livelihood, it is quite difficult to provide for my family. To supplement this, I run a small hotel business in my village. However, it does not produce enough. To scale up farming is my biggest dream because I would like to curb food insecurity in my family. I will therefore purchase a pair of oxen to awaken my dream to reality. Besides, I will hire them at fee thus generating income to cater for other needs like clothing, medical and school fees.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My life is fully of happiness despite all the struggles that I am going through. This is because I try my best to avoid situation that could stress me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is my biggest hardship. It is very common for us to go without food. In short getting three meals a day is a rare occasion. This is attributed to the fact that I do not have enough money to purchase from the shops.
