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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3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($312 USD)
access_time 9 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming year and beyond, my focus will be directed towards enhancing my farming activities on the 2-acre leased land that I currently possess. I am actively engaged in preparing the land for cultivation in anticipation of the upcoming year, during which I plan to utilize certified seeds obtained from the Kenyan Seeds Company, a support we have consistently received. Prior to that period, I intend to amass sufficient funds to cover labor costs and acquire necessary agricultural inputs. My aim is to utilize the resulting harvest proceeds to purchase a parcel of land, provide for my family's needs, and fulfill the school fee requirements for my two children.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has been an immense help, for which I am deeply grateful. My household, much like others, faced significant deficiencies, but we are now content with the establishment of a steady income source. The concept of direct cash support was previously unheard of, and the ability to spend the funds according to our discretion was truly remarkable, granting us the freedom of limitless choices. This stands in contrast to other organizations that impose directives or provide predetermined material goods. Given its unbiased approach, I sincerely hope GiveDirectly continues its commendable efforts in other villages as well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving the final transfer, I allocated part of it towards realizing my desire for a sustainable venture that could provide ongoing support for my family beyond the scheduled three transfers. With this in mind, I combined the $450 I had received with the proceeds from selling some of my livestock, enabling me to acquire a secondhand motorcycle valued at $700. This motorcycle has consistently generated a daily income of at least $4 since then, a sustainable amount for my family of four. On certain days, I have even managed to save more than a dollar. Since the commencement of these transfers, I am pleased to have heavily invested in income-generating initiatives such as bee farming, goat farming, and providing transportation services using the motorcycle I obtained. In comparison to the past, when I relied on occasional manual labor, my current ventures are yielding greater returns, significantly improving my family's well-being.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($319 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Currently, I possess a bull that I intend to sell for approximately $300. While this amount may not be sufficient, my goal is to supplement the transfer funds in order to purchase a motorcycle taxi. To achieve this, I aim to raise around $700, which would enable me to acquire a reliable secondhand motorcycle capable of generating additional income through transportation services. This investment would provide a sustainable source of revenue and contribute to the overall improvement of my financial situation.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I appreciate the positive impact of GiveDirectly in our village as there have been no complaints regarding the financial support we receive. The transformation in our community is evident, with individuals making wise spending choices and avoiding wastage. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for their decision to provide us with financial assistance and the freedom to spend the funds according to our household needs. Currently, no family is experiencing hunger, and all the promises made have been fulfilled. While I am thankful for their support, one area that could be improved is the provision of additional resources or guidance on how to further enhance our livelihoods beyond the initial financial assistance. This could empower us to achieve even greater long-term sustainability.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
In our community, where adverse climatic conditions pose challenges to farming activities, leading to a reliance on expensively purchased groceries, I have been exploring alternative drought-resistant endeavors. Building on the first transfer, I allocated $300 of the second transfer towards purchasing ten beehives at $30 each. This supplements the four beehives I already acquired, with the initial set already housing bees. The cost of ordering and transporting the new beehives amounted to $50. I am hopeful that within a year, I will be able to harvest honey from all fourteen hives, as beekeeping thrives in all seasons. Additionally, I invested $26 in three water containers and $21 in three poly chairs.With the remaining $74, I used it to buy food for my family of three. I express immense gratitude for the generous support provided by GiveDirectly and eagerly anticipate the possibilities that the final transfer will bring.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($146 USD)
access_time 12 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was taking a break at home after a tiring chore from the previous day when my phone rang. It was a pleasant surprise to discover that I had received money from GiveDirectly, and it instantly lifted my spirits. Excitedly, I shared the wonderful news with a friend who shared my happiness. With newfound enthusiasm, I eagerly began planning how to utilize the funds.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My life has undergone a remarkable transformation, and I can confidently say that my hope in life has been rekindled. The heavy burden that weighed heavily on my shoulders has been lifted, bringing newfound peace of mind. Unlike before when making ends meet was a constant struggle, our household now enjoys an abundant supply of food. I am extremely grateful for the support from GiveDirectly, as it has significantly improved our overall quality of life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Due to financial hardship, my wife left me to seek better opportunities in the city, and I now reside with my son. The pain of losing my family to poverty was almost unbearable. As a farmer who also does casual work on other people's farms to earn a living, buying goats was an investment that I couldn't afford due to financial constraints. However, with the financial aid from GiveDirectly, I was able to purchase goats worth $120 which was a practical investment given the favorable climatic conditions. Previously, I only had one goat, but unfortunately, it was devoured by wild animals. Lastly, I bought foodstuffs and solar lights worth$40 and $15 respectively. The support from GiveDirectly came at the right time and has greatly impacted my life for the better.
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
If I am able to get the transfer, it means I won't have to depend on casual jobs anymore. Will spend more time doing my own work. I plan to rent 1 acre and plant maize. This will cost a total of $200. The one acre will give me a profit of $300. I will then continue farming and expand my acreage whilst saving. This will be my security in the future. I may even start a shop business, when I have enough savings.
To ensure that I have daily source of income. I plan to buy a second hand motorcycle for $500. I will then employ someone to do motorcycle taxi business. This will give me a daily income of $2.50. I will then have a stable source of money.
Goats do well here and I don't have them. I plan to establish goat rearing. For a start, I will buy 10 goats both male and female. This will cost me $300. The goats will expand and it means more stability for me in the future. When I have goats, I can sell them during difficult times like this. This means I will not be worried again of where to get my next meal.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I feel safe here to do my things, no one has a problem with anybody. We live in harmony. This makes me very happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest challenge now is getting food. I must find a casual job like digging, planting and harvesting. It's hard getting a casual job daily due to the high demand caused by the drought. In a good week, I'll get three days of casual work. From this I get paid $4 daily. Most of the time I use this money for food and cannot even save to do something else. This has affected my ability to develop.
