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 plan to focus on farming, which I believe will be a strong foundation for my family's future. By dedicating myself to growing crops, I hope to earn enough income to eventually open a small shop in my village. This business would provide a steady source of income, reducing my dependence on uncertain casual jobs. With a stable shop, I could more reliably support my children’s education and cover household needs. Farming will not only provide us with food but also the extra proceeds needed to invest in this shop. I am determined to make this vision a reality, creating a sustainable future for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The officers communicated with us very respectfully and took the time to explain how GiveDirectly's funds are meant to help improve our lives. They educated us well on how to use the money effectively, which was very helpful. I appreciated how they treated us with kindness and respect, making us feel valued. So far, I haven't seen anything negative in my experience with GiveDirectly; everything has been smooth and well-organized. I feel grateful for the support and guidance they’ve provided. Overall, my experience with GiveDirectly has been entirely positive.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Building a proper home has been a long-standing goal for me, especially given our difficult living conditions. Before, we lived in a small house made of mud walls and a grass roof that leaked whenever it rained. Sometimes, parts of it would even fall apart during storms, which was both stressful and unsafe. So, when I received my second cash transfer, I spent $43 on building materials to construct a two-room house made of iron sheets. Now, our family finally has a secure and sturdy home, which gives us so much peace of mind. With the remaining $20 from the transfer, I paid for school fees for my three children. Education is very important to us, but it has always been challenging to cover fees. My husband and I rely on casual jobs to support our family, but the work isn’t always steady. Often, there are days when we can't find any labor, leaving us worried about meeting our children's needs. This transfer helped ensure they can stay in school without the constant fear of being sent home for unpaid fees. Life was much harder before this support. At times, we felt defeated, especially when there was no work and nothing left to depend on. Now, though, our new house and the chance to keep our children in school have brought us a renewed sense of hope. I am deeply grateful for this support, as it has helped my family move forward in ways we couldn’t have managed alone.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($155 USD)
access_time 2 months ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had accompanied my neighbor to a prayer day for his son in high school. Just as we were about to leave the school, I heard a message notification on my phone. I quickly checked it, as I had been anxiously waiting for GiveDirectly's cash. My neighbors, who had traveled with me, had received their transfers, and I was thrilled to see that I had received mine as well. The excitement was evident in our smiles. I knew that with this support, I would be able to fulfill my intended plans.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest life change for me has been the ability to finally own goats, something I had always wished for but couldn't afford for years. With the GiveDirectly cash, I purchased two goats, which represents a significant step toward diversifying my income. This investment supports my long-term goal of securing a more stable financial future for my family, including covering my children's education expenses.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
To earn a living, my husband and I rely on casual jobs, each earning $4 a day, though these jobs are not always guaranteed. Sometimes we also depend on charcoal production. Our focus has been strictly on basic needs like food and education for our children. With this income, saving or investing in other areas was difficult. In our area, goats thrive, and our home was almost the only one without them, so this was a key investment for diversifying our income. With my first transfer, I prioritized buying two goats worth $100. Additionally, I purchased a mattress for my children, costing $40, as the old one was so worn out that you could feel the bedboard, which was disheartening for me as a mother. I also bought two plastic chairs to add to the two we already had for $12, as it was not enough, especially when we have visitors. Furthermore, I spent $32 on food, specifically maize, which is our staple food and sustained us for some time. Thank you, GiveDirectly.
Enrolled
access_time 4 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Given my ongoing struggles with acquiring enough money for food and basic household items, I am planning to address our immediate needs and secure our future income. Initially, I intend to allocate KES 5,000 for food and KES 6,000 for purchasing mattresses and chairs, which are essential for our comfort.
Looking towards securing a future income source, I plan to invest KES 9,000 in acquiring two goats, which I believe will sustain my family in the long term through breeding and the sale of offspring.
Addressing our long-standing housing issue, I aim to utilize KES 45,000 to purchase construction materials for a larger house capable of accommodating all 5 members of my family.
Furthermore, to enhance our income security, I plan to allocate another KES 45,000 towards purchasing a generator and irrigation pipes for my one-acre farm. This investment is crucial for revitalizing the farm and making it productive, which will ultimately contribute to our financial stability in the future.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I found great happiness when my dream of owning livestock finally came true. As part of a women's group, we pooled our resources through a monthly contribution model to purchase a sheep for each member. Receiving mine filled me with immense joy and optimism, believing that it will reproduce and become a reliable source of income for my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I own a one-acre farm that currently lies unproductive due to lack of funds for buying inputs such as HDPE pipes and a generator needed for irrigation. Developing this farm could significantly improve my family's income.
Additionally, our one-room house is inadequate for our family of 5. We cannot afford to build another house to accommodate everyone. We also lack basic household items such as beds and bedding.
The income of KES 2,000 per week from charcoal burning is insufficient to cover our food cost and other essential needs for the family.