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 ($517 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Every evening when I get back from the toils of the day, I see the livestock that I have bought and seen a lot of hope for a better. The heifer that I bought is growing fast to maturity. This is a way in which I have started dairy keeping that will contribute to my income-generating activities. Additionally, the enhancement of my training in masonry will improve my employability. I know that I am going to have a better future.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion. I think that GiveDirecly did well by involving all the people in my village. They went to all the corners od my village and considered all the residents. There was no discrimination especially against people who are not a marriage like.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent the money I received on my second transfer to construct a kitchen for my household. I am at this moment trying to start a family, therefore, I needed to build a kitchen for my future wife. I then bought a heifer. I also saved some of the money for paying school fees for myself and take a masonry course. I am going to take this course because its a job I love to do and also have skills already. Even as we speak I have taken a break from a house construction site where I am as an artisan in masonry.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($544 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
Receiving transfers from GiveDirectly enabled me to expand my farm size under cultivation since I was in a position to purchase enough maize seeds. Initially, I used to cultivate only a part of it because I didn't have enough money. The proceeds I will reap from it will enable me to start a small business in order to diversify my income sources. Besides, since livestock keeping is a tradition in my community, I am very proud because I was able to purchase a heifer. I now feel like part of the community when matters concerning livestock are discussed. It will also provide milk for my household consumption as well as the sale of surplus to the market
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was 6 am when I received a message from Give Directly informing me that my Mpesa account has been credited. I was very happy since I have never handled such a huge sum of money as a donation. This was beyond my expectations. I immediately rolled out my plans which I had already set. Thanks to GiveDirectly
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent the money I received from GiveDirectly to purchase maize seeds for planting, a heifer, spent some on foodstuff and saved the rest since I plan to use it to construct a kitchen
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will enable me buy a dairy cow.The piece of land where my house sits is often full of grass and I have even allowed a neighbour to graze her cows in it for free.I would like to buy my own cow as this will also ensure an income for me.With a part of this money,I will also build a house so that my current one serves as a kitchen.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning till early afternoon.During this time,am mostly working on construction sites in the village.This job involves many people and we mostly talk as we work.This enlightens the day and even though it is a very tasking job,it is easened by the energy that comes from the jokes we share.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My mother fell ill in 2017 and was in and out of hospital for a whole year.During that period,we spent a lot of money on medication in different hospitals.We even had to sell family assets like cows to pay for her treatment.Eventually,she died.The medication had already eaten up all our resources leaving us to poverty.Life has never been the same since then an I personally have had to do casual jobs to survive.
