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 ($422 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?
Food insecurity is something that we have been grappling with for a long time. This was occasioned by the vagaries of weather and the lethal maize necrosis disease that ravaged our crops. This season I want to do proper planning. I have already prepared the land and it is ready for planting once it starts raining. It worries me a lot when at times we have to stretch ourselves to buy food yet I can produce on my farm. This time going forward I have made a deliberate effort to be self sufficient in food productivity.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
They explained to us the advice that the people who received the transfers in the past gave out.The advice was so useful and it helped us to plan well for the money. GiveDirectly means well for us to better our lives and to come out of poverty. Our only wish is that we wish the transfer will come back to our village again in future to still help us more.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Life had taken a toll on us especially when the cost of living rose. We were struggling to make ends meet. When we received the transfers it came as a great boost for us. We had always wanted to own a dairy cow since the one we have belongs to a relative. When the transfers came we used it to purchase a dairy cow that we hope to increase our milk production. It is about to calve. It was worth KES 30000 at Chebunyo market. We also bought furniture. Our lives have significantly improved since we received the transfers and we are eternally grateful to GiveDirectly for their support.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($481 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
That beautiful evening I was busy herding my cattle. Then at around 4 pm, is when my helper came running informing me that the transfers had arrived. A few minutes earlier, I heard a message alert but didn't know what it was because I am illiterate. Immediately, I gave him the phone and he confirmed that I had received KES 55,000 from GiveDirectly. I was very happy and still, I am to date.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is happiness because nowadays I have enough food. This has made me energetic and now can do my chores instead of being assisted.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For over 10 years, I have been working both as a maize and poultry vendor. From the income of these projects I normally school my children but it's quite a struggle. Due to this I also decided to save in the merry-go-round monthly contributions but this was not enough and school fees arrears had piled up.
So, when I received the transfers my priority was school fees. I, therefore, spent KES 20,000 on payment of school fees for my kids in college and high school.
Secondly, I spent KES 10,000 on a heifer because it grows fast and can be sold later on for a dairy cow.
Thirdly, I spent KES 8,000 on the latest clothing fashion for my husband and kids.
Lastly, I spent KES 3000 on a sofa set and now we seat more comfortably than before. I also bought KES 3000 on a bag of maize which is enough to sustain us till we get the next transfers.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My last-born daughter is in form three at Roborwo Secondary School. As a parent, it has always been my desire to have her study to the highest level possible. Since she opened on 4th January, she has been to school for two days only because of unpaid arrear amounting to KES 15000. The fact that she is home as the rest are continuing with their studies is something that gives me sleepless nights. I used to actively engage in agriculture but as of now, that is not the case because of a condition that makes me dizzy. This leaves me with no other alternative to support her education. Receiving this money will give my daughter ample time in school
What is the happiest part of your day?
In December last year, my son harvested 5-sacks of sweet potatoes from his 0.25-acre piece of land. From that harvest, he gave me two 2 sacks as a gift and this made me happy
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I come from a polygamous family and my co-wife has been sick seen for the last 15 years. Her condition is deteriorating by the day and this is getting everyone worried. My husband has sold all the family assets livestock included in a bid to raise money for her treatment but that has done little to salvage the situation. She is in dire need of medical attention but due to financial constraints all that is left to do is to give her home-based care.
