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
55000 KES ($477 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have a new goal which is to go back to school and pursue a tailoring course. This has been my passion for a long and I believe if I get a chance to grab it I will benefit a lot. After graduating, I believe I will have the skills to start a business the same. For now, I do not have a reliable source of income.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly is the best organization that one can talk of so far. It generally has a great impact on our village by changing our living standards. Previously, 80% of us could not afford basic needs such as good shelter, among others. Therefore, I do not see anything that GiveDirectly has not done well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent the whole portion of my second transfer on buying a new motorbike. This has been my desire to have it for quite some time but because of my financial status, I could not afford it. I opted to purchase it specifically for my spouse he is jobless and had an experience. Life used to be tough by then and we could not afford to provide for our family's needs timely. Our children used to be sent home severally because of the arrears. In addition, skipping meals used to be a routine in my household. Currently, all has changed, the business is doing so well and in a day we have been making a profit of KES 500. We have been able to get the basic needs such as food without even struggling.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had gone to untie my cow from the field when I got a text message confirming that I had received KES 55000 from Give Directly. I found myself jumping and dancing in celebration of the good news. I could not believe it since it was the first time to receive such an amount of money. Later, I took the cow home but could not wait for the following day to withdraw the money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving the payments is having something to look up to whenever I wake up in the morning. Previously I did not have any plans whenever I woke up and in most cases, I would stay idle. Currently, I have my livestock to keep me busy hence I feel productive at the end of the day.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I bought 2 oxen and a goat at a cost of KES 38000 with the first transfer. The oxen will be helpful during the farming seasons since I will not have to budget for plowing labor. At the same time, I will be earning income from them by plowing for people at a fee while goats I am hopeful to have more of them after they will have given birth. KES 5000 I saved in saving and loaning group while a portion of the money I spent on various foodstuffs that can push my family for some months.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means self employment for husband. My husband has been unemployed for the last 1 year. He was working as a motorcycle taxi man. The motorcycle was not his, he became jobless when the owner took it back. This was a setback for us. Together with my two children, we were greatly depending on him. I am planning to use 50,000 KES to buy a second hand motorcycle for my husband. This motorcycle will be earning us atleast 3,00 KES per day. This amount of money will be enough to cater for our family needs ( food, medical bills, school fees). We shall also be saving the extra income for future use.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I bought three goats early this year. Two months ago, all of my 3 goats gave birth making me a proud owner of 6 goats. This gave me so much joy. Goat keeping is an investment for me. In a few years, I believe I will be one of the respected farmers around.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Water scarcity has been a nightmare for me. The water problem has persisted for 5 months as at now. Before, water was very cheap and affordable. I used to buy water at 10 KES per 20 litres. Currently I am buying the same container at 50 KES. This is due to the transportation cost. The nearest water point is approximately 4km away. I am forced to use the motorcycle guys to ferry the water for me. When I decide to fetch the water myself, I will take a minimum of 2 hours walking which is energy draining.
