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 ($435 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Given the chance I would love to buy more land, that will be increasing what I can produce. It's primarily for sustenance at the moment, but with a bigger farm, I could produce for sale at Bamba Market.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
All I would ask of GiveDirectly is that they continue with their good work. Few people/organisations will give funds to people without any requirements and for that me and my family are eternally greatful.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The bulk of the transfers that I received from GiveDirectly went to improving my house. I had long intended to install a toilet and I was finally able to erect a pit latrine. Having ensured our home had been seen to, I proceeded to buy 2 local breed cows, male and female, in hope of starting a herd. I have 9 adult children, with 2 grand kids between them, hence they are all busy leading their lives and the funds from GiveDirectly allowed me to maintain my financial independence as a parent and not be a burden to my children. I till my 4 acre farm where I grow maize, beans and cassava, for myself and also my 6boys and 3girls, and their families. GiveDirectly gave me a chance to take control of my own destiny and I will eternally be grateful.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($497 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was in my house relaxing while weaving a job that I had been depending on for the upkeep of my family. I was with my helper when I received the messages of my transfer on my phone. After checking he told me that it was the transfer from GiveDirecly. I felt very happy for receiving my transfer that would change my life. I thank GiveDirectly for coming with the program.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am currently residing in a decent and more permanent house after renovating my house which was collapsing with aid of the transfer. I did not imagine that I would own a decent house in such a very short period. I am very thankful for the transfer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to improve the condition of my house by putting up cement pillars so that it may be more permanent. This was because it was collapsing on one side and I had no money to renovate it. I bought two lorries of building stones, sandy and paying labour costs for the construction of the house. Currently, I am living in a better shelter like others in the village and no longer worried. In addition, I spent KES 2,000 to purchase food for my family of 3 members.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means food security to my household, since am planning to upscale my farming. This is because I commonly farm only 1/2 acre of land producing a 50kg bag of maize which is sustain my family of 3 for one month. I am planning to expend a maximum of $400 on my first transfer to buy oxen and ox plough which will enable me to farm 4 acres of land. This will ensure I get more harvest of 8 bags of 90kg each, which will sustain my family of 3 for 10 months. The rest amount of my first transfer, I will buy iron sheets to renovate my house which is now leaking. I will spend the utmost $300 of my second transfer to buy 10 goats which will act as a long-term investment project for the household. I will use the remaining amount of my second transfer to buy food for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest of my day is in the evening. This is because it is the time when I get enough rest after a busy day of going up to do my job of charcoal burning.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is the biggest hardship I have ever faced. This is because being a charcoal burner earning very little to $20 only. Bearing in my age, am not energetic enough to cut more trees. With the little earning I can not cater to all the basic needs of the family. Due to this, I have been struggling to put food on the table, sometimes asking for help from my relatives.
