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.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
As a guardian to my two grandchildren, whose mother is away, I made the decision to allocate $10 from the transfers to purchase a new uniform for one of them. This ensured that my grandchild looks smart and can continue attending school good uniform. Seeing the joy on his face as he wears his new uniform fills me with happiness. To further support my grandchildren's education, I spent $12 to pay their school fees. This prevents them from being sent home and allows them to focus on their studies without disruption. My small business, where I sell sardines and sugar, is another priority. I allocated $54 to boost my inventory and operations, with the goal of increasing revenue and providing for my family's needs and I am happy about how it is progressing. Recognizing the importance of diversifying my income sources, I spent $30 to purchase a goat. I am hopeful that this investment will pay off in the future, as I expect the goat to multiply and increase in value. When the need arises, I can sell the livestock and use the proceeds to support my family. Ensuring my own comfort and well-being is also crucial. I spent $14 to buy a bed sheet, which has allowed me to sleep warmly and comfortably, without being exposed to the cold compared to previously when I did not have something to cover myself with hence exposed to the cold. Finally, I used the remaining $4 to supplement the food we already had, ensuring that my family has access to the nourishment they need.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Moving forward, my plan is to continue using the transfers I receive to expand my existing business ventures. I am determined to keep investing in the growth and diversification of my operations. In addition to maintaining a strong focus on my current business selling sardines and sugar, I also intend to add coconuts to my product base. By expanding the range of goods I provide, I can cater to a wider customer base and increase my overall revenue. Alongside the business expansion, I will also allocate a portion of the transfers to growing my herd of goats. This livestock investment represents a long-term strategy to build financial security for my family. As the goats multiply and increase in value over time, I can sell them when needed to support my household and I am happy with these plans because with them I will be able to comfortably take care of my grandchildren.
18th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($24 USD)
access_time 6 months ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a subsistence farmer primarily growing maize for personal consumption. I also run a small business selling sardines, which provides extra income for my family. Currently, I take care of my two grandchildren after their mother fell ill and became unable to support them. We struggled before as we had no stable source of income, relying on meager earnings from selling charcoal and removing tree stumps. GiveDirectly has been a true blessing, transforming our lives for the better. With the transfers, I have been able to invest in farming, ensuring that we have enough food. I have also joined savings groups, which offer quick loans in case of emergencies. I allocated $12 from the transfers to settle a pending school fees debt for my grandchildren, ensuring they could continue their education uninterrupted. Additionally, $10 was used to purchase new school uniforms, replacing their worn-out ones. Another $32 was invested in acquiring a goat, serving as a future resource in times of urgent need. I repaid a $10 debt after purchasing Christmas food and then used $12 to buy clothes for myself, as I had none. With the remaining funds, I finally acquired a mattress, bringing comfort after years of sleeping on a traditional bed. I'm deeply grateful for the support GiveDirectly has provided and look forward to a brighter future.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My aspiration is to expand my small business further. Although my current stock sells steadily, I aim to diversify by adding items such as sugar, oil, and salt to increase profitability. With the upcoming transfers, I plan to invest in this expansion. A thriving business brings me peace of mind, knowing I can better provide for my family. The assistance received from GiveDirectly has been life-changing, opening up opportunities for growth and stability, for which I am sincerely thankful.
14th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($23 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
During the long rains, I faced challenges in planting and harvesting due to a lack of funds for maize seeds and plowing activities. The limited food I harvested didn't last long for my family, so I used $24 from the cash transfers to purchase food. I am grateful that this ensured my family never went a day without a meal. With the recent onset of the short rains, I invested $6 to buy maize seeds for planting, hoping for a more bountiful harvest this season. Additionally, I allocated $30 to buy a goat and $4 for a hen, aiming to raise them so that they can generate funds in the future to provide for my family's needs. Using $12, I purchased school uniforms for my three grandchildren, as theirs were tattered, and their father, the family's breadwinner, faced financial challenges. He relies on seasonal casual jobs, such as working on people's farms using his ox plows, which becomes challenging during drought seasons. I also bought a bedsheet for $3 to stay warm and made a $12 down payment for a new bed to replace my current one that is broken.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My vision for the next few years is centered around keeping goats. I am pleased that previous cash transfers allowed me to buy two goats, both of which have given birth, increasing the number to four. Beyond goats, I aspire to purchase at least four cows before the cash transfers cease. With cows, I can use them for farming activities like plowing and even rent them out to generate funds.
10th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES
access_time 1 year ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I shoulder the responsibility of being the sole provider for my family, consisting of three children. My livelihood is derived from farming and selling charcoal. However, these occupations yield limited income, often leaving me with insufficient funds to meet my family's needs, including purchasing food, paying school fees, and providing clothing. A challenging situation arose when, two weeks prior to receiving my May transfers, my three children were sent home from school due to their significant outstanding fee balances. Upon receiving the transfers, I allocated $10 towards partially settling their school fees, ensuring their return to school and enabling them to resume their studies alongside their peers. With the remaining amount of $34, I purchased food to sustain my family. The past few months have been financially demanding, primarily due to the soaring food prices. Regardless of my health condition, I exert myself tirelessly to ensure my children have something to eat. Thanks to the monthly transfers from Give Directly, I no longer experience the immense struggle I once faced in providing for my family. These transfers have alleviated a significant burden and provided a sense of relief in fulfilling our basic needs.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Looking ahead, my objective for the upcoming year is to make substantial investments in acquiring livestock. With the anticipation of a bountiful harvest in the coming months, I will have an abundance of food, allowing me to allocate funds towards purchasing livestock. The surplus from the harvest will provide me with the financial means to save towards this endeavor. In addition to investing in livestock, I have plans to purchase new sets of clothing. Currently, I rely on only two worn-out and unappealing outfits. Therefore, it is essential for me to allocate resources towards acquiring new clothes that are presentable and in good condition.
6th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($28 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Due to the prolonged drought that has hindered farming, hunger has become a major issue in my household. Even the little that my daughter and son send home, after a day of hustling in Mombasa, can hardly put regular meals for my family of nine people (four adults and five children). With rising commodity prices, it is difficult to enjoy at least two meals a day. This is why I spent almost every penny from the recent three transfers on food. I only had to deduct $5 to pay school fees for my grandchild who had been sent out of class to collect the amount and bought two chickens worth $5 for the purpose of rearing and wealth accumulation.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the next year and beyond, I hope to have bought two goats to increase my herd to nine goats. Since I started receiving the transfers, I have not been able to buy an animal bigger than a chicken because of the hunger situation in the household. Although things are still tough, I believe that I will be able to save throughout the year until I afford the two goats. After that is done, I plan to start saving for a cow as well.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($25 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Due to the persistent drought I barely had enough harvest to feed myself and the family. Therefore, I was overwhelmed with is much excitement after realising the arrival of the transfers because it meant I could finally afford a meal. I went ahead and used KES 1,000 and purchased five packets of maize flour. Afterwards k remained with a balance of KES 2,000 which I proceeded to purchase a goat because I had plans of growing my farm.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am actually quite grateful for the generosity that I have experienced so far from the organization. This is because the finances have come in handy especially when it comes down to the day to day needs of me and my family for example even on nutrition.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($10 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since the beginning of the drought three years ago, life in the village has become intolerably difficult. Being a subsistence farmer, my dependence on the farm for both food and a living was great. I am compelled to pay very expensive prices in the stores since I cannot get food from the farm. For the past three years, I've been earning a living by doing hard labor tasks like selling charcoal and working on other people's farms. I occasionally struggle to find employment and turn to my children who are employed in Mombasa for assistance. I was overjoyed to receive my transfer because the night before, I had gone to bed famished and had no food. I used all of it to get food. I spent KES 600 on six packets of maize flour and 1 kg of sugar. I spent KES 400 on two hens in addition to food.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The transfer significantly improved my quality of life by giving me more money to spend on meals. My children, who always pitch in to help, were having a difficult time because of the political climate in the nation. My pals denied my request for a loan since they said they were short on funds. I'm grateful for the financial support I received at that crucial time.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
When my phone rang loudly at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, I was out in the field burning wood and trees to generate charcoal for sale. I promptly looked it over and discovered that I had already gotten my first transfer, which astonished me. I stopped what I was doing and hurried to the Mpesa shop to get the cash. I was so hungry that I was perspiring a lot. When I got home, I made a late lunch, I was very happy and satisfied.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial Instability is my biggest hardship. With My casual job of burning charcoal, I can only pocket 300 KES in two weeks. This money is not enough to cater to my basic needs, such as clothing and medical.It is still this problem that has stalled my ambition of rearing livestock.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am happy that in the midst of all these challe ges I have never slept on an empty stomach.with my family around I feel a sence of love and belonging and with my grandchildren I am overwhemed around them.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
A goat rearing project would have been a life saver if I had the capital to set it up. My casual job of burning charcoal has reduced me to a beggar because the earnings are not enough. Receiving this money from give directly will enable me to purchase a goat every month till I hit a target of eight. with these animals am assured of a stable income and be able to pay school fees since they reproduce very fast.