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.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Looking ahead to this year and the years to come, I am determined to return to farming. The recent floods that destroyed my crops had forced me to step away from the farm, but with this third transfer from GiveDirectly, I plan to get back on my feet. Farming is essential for me, as it will not only address the food security needs of my household but also generate income from the sale of any surplus. I can use this income to improve my family’s standard of living.
I am still considering which crop to plant, but I am leaning towards maize, potentially in partnership with Kenya Seed Company. Just the thought of this fills me with hope because it represents a full recovery from the devastating impact of the recent floods. Thanks to GiveDirectly’s support, I feel encouraged to rebuild and make a fresh start in farming.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has done an amazing job. What stands out to me most is their unconditional cash, which has allowed me to address my unique needs and speed up my recovery process after the floods. This flexibility has been invaluable, allowing me to focus on what’s most important for my family’s well-being.
As for recommendations, I have none because I am completely satisfied with the current program. The support they provide has truly made a positive impact on our lives, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I recently received $450 from GiveDirectly, I felt both happy and deeply grateful to GiveDirectly and to God. I decided to invest $380 in buying a cow. I have always loved livestock keeping, and in our area, cattle thrive. I have wanted to own a cow for a long time, but I never had the means until now. This cow will be beneficial in many ways – it will provide milk to feed my family, and as it reproduces and grows into a larger herd, it can become a source of income. This investment makes the support I received feel long-lasting and meaningful.
After buying the cow, I used $40 to purchase food for my family. I had no harvest this season because recent floods destroyed our crops, so it was important for us to stock up on food. This support from GiveDirectly means so much to me, especially in these difficult times, as it has brought hope when we felt hopeless. Now, my family can have enough food even without a harvest.
With the remaining amount, I purchased essential daily household items to ensure I could meet our everyday needs without struggling. GiveDirectly’s support has truly made a difference in our lives, providing both immediate relief and hope for the future.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($155 USD)
access_time 3 months ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I love sharing stories with my grandchildren, and one afternoon while I was engrossed in telling them tales, my phone suddenly rang. The kids rushed to check the message and excitedly shouted, "Koko, the GiveDirectly money has arrived—KSh 20,000!" I was overjoyed, though I had been expecting the funds in July. The moment I heard the news, I forgot all about the stories and immediately started planning to buy goats, despite their high cost, because that’s what I could afford and needed.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Sometimes I stressed over what to eat and couldn't invest in anything, as I was often just focused on finding food. But I am incredibly thankful to GiveDirectly for transforming my life. I now own goats, which I never thought would be possible, and I am truly grateful for that. Food is also sufficient in my house now. Previously, the children would sometimes skip lunch and we ate only one meal a day, but now we have three meals a day.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since I’m old and can’t burn charcoal like others here to earn a living, I mainly grow a small amount of kale on my farm to sell and cover my bills. All of my children are married, and my husband passed away a long time ago. I live with my two grandchildren because I can't stay alone, and caring for them is not easy. Sometimes their mother helps with providing food. After receiving the cash, I used $50 to buy enough food to last for 90 days, ensuring I have supplies while I care for the two goats I bought for $115. These goats will not only be a future investment but also a lasting reminder of the help from GiveDirectly, which I truly appreciate. Additionally, I had no chairs and was using a jerrycan to sit, as all my chairs were broken and I couldn't afford new ones with my income from selling kale. I used $15 to buy two plastic chairs. Finally, I spent the remaining $20 on clothes for myself and my grandchildren, as we had no suitable clothing for outings.
Enrolled
access_time 5 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
To alleviate the ongoing food shortage for my family, I plan to allocate $154 towards purchasing sufficient food supplies. Additionally, part of this budget will be used to procure essential household items such as beds, mattresses, chairs, and utensils. This initiative aims not only to address immediate food shortages but also to enhance comfort for my family.
In order to safeguard against future food shortages, I intend to invest $269 in improving the productivity of my farm. This investment will be allocated towards purchasing farm inputs such as a gasoline generator, pipes, and fuel. These resources will not only increase food production but also generate income for my family.
Furthermore, to diversify and boost my family's income, I will allocate $308 to acquire 2 cows and an additional $115 to expand our livestock with 3 goats. These investments are aimed at creating sustainable long-term assets for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I experienced immense joy and happiness when six of my goats gave birth. Witnessing my herd grow gives me hope, as these animals serve as a vital source of livelihood for me. They provide milk for consumption and generate income through the sale of some goats, which helps cover food and other essential expenses.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I'm facing a significant challenge in acquiring money to buy food for my family. Relying on charcoal burning yields insufficient income to cover the costs of food and other basic necessities.
Additionally, my maize farm is struggling due to a lack of funds for fuel for machine used to irrigate it. I am unable to afford a gasoline generator for irrigation, so I am forced to lease one from other farmers, which adds to my financial burden.
