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 ($521 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 is currently different because at least I now own livestock that I did not have before the coming of GiveDirectly. I now have a pair of oxen to aid me in doing my farming timely for better harvests. I am also in a position to utilize my whole acreage unlike before when I could only plough a smaller piece of land. Besides, I also have a heifer, which am expecting it to multiply, and with time, I will be benefiting from the milk that it will be producing. I also cleared the fee arrears for my children in highschool. I am happy they are now comfortable continuing with their studies.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well in issuing out the unconditional transfers and giving us the freedom of choice. Such that everyone is free to plan their spending for their own needs and ensuring that their lives are changed and uplifted. I do not see anything that GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent part of my second transfer to purchase a pair of oxen. I have been using the normal hoes during farming for many years though they were not very effective on a larger acreage. Thus having this pair will boost my farming practice since I will no longer be hiring from neighbours like I used to do. Apart from this, I also spent KES 15000 to clear my children's school fees. They are progressing well since I have paid on time. I spent the remaining amount to buy household items that I lacked in my home. In addition, I did some shopping on foodstuffs and other basic needs such as clothing for my family as well as paying for other household expenses.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($549 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I once had my own cows but they were swept away by lung infections and respiratory disease in which they did not survive. I was left with nothing to own after this, though I longed to have others for a new start. I am happy that through the transfer, I was able to buy two cows which I am hoping to get milk soon and serve as assets as they reproduce and increase in number. Owning cows is my biggest daily difference.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the notification early in the morning as I was going on with my day's tasks. I was curious to know who the sender was and on confirming the message, I realised that it was from GiveDirectly informing me that I had received my transfer. I was filled with happiness at that instant and thankful to them for financial support.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer to buying two cows. My expectation is that they will reproduce and increase in number so that I can have many of them. I will also be getting milk from them for my family consumption and also to sell the surplus so as to earn an income. Food was also a problem for me and I took a portion of the transfer to buy adequate food for my family and to ensure that there is continuous availability of food in my household. I also did shopping for other basic needs for my family. On the remaining amount, I paid for my children's school fees so as for them to remain in school to avoid being sent home for fees.
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
As a subsistence farmer, I have always desired to plough a big piece of land to curb food shortage. However, this is not possible due to lack of money to hire oxen. I only plough one acre which only produces food to last us a month. With this transfer, I will purchase oxen that I will use to till four acres of land. This will mean more produce thus reducing food insecurity. Besides using them in my farm, I will also hire them to my neighbours to generate some income. I will also invest more in my poultry business which I have been doing, but it is not so productive due to lack of enough capital. With these two income generating activities, I will be able to educate my children and give them a bright future. I will also replace my grass roof with iron sheets in order to cut down the cost of buying grass every four months.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I never went to school and this makes me unhappy. I strive hard to educate my children because I know it is the only way to shape their future. With this in mind, I am always ready to undertake any manual job to earn money to sustain their education. Such jobs wear me out and drain my energy. However, in the evening I am mostly happy when going back to my children knowing I can fulfill their dreams.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
After the death of my husband, I took the responsibility of raising my children single handedly. No one in the family was willing to help and due to harsh treatment from my in laws, I had to flee from my matrimonial home. Life has never been because I do not have a stable job to feed and educate my children. The much I can give my children is primary school education, which is not enough to make one rise in the Kenyan economy. Therefore, I can say my biggest challenge is financial instability.
