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?
Now that I have a generator, my goal is to buy more pipes so I can pump water from a longer distance. This will allow me to irrigate my farm more effectively and help ensure that my farming venture is sustainable. I am excited about the possibilities this brings, as it will improve my crop yields and provide more food for my family. The thought of expanding my farming capabilities fills me with joy, and I feel hopeful about the future. I am incredibly grateful to GiveDirectly for their support, which has made this life upgrade possible.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
What I like about GiveDirectly is their commitment and focus on transforming people's lives without any other agenda. They genuinely care about making a difference in our community. I believe it would be beneficial for them to enroll more people in the program so that even more individuals can experience the positive impact of their support. Expanding the program would help lift more families out of poverty and create a stronger, healthier community for everyone. I truly appreciate the work they are doing and hope they can reach more people in need.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving $450 from GiveDirectly, my husband and I quickly made plans on how to use the money. I allocated $200 to buy a generator, which will be crucial for irrigating our farm whenever we need it. Previously, I had to borrow money for this purpose, and now that I have the funds, I want to avoid inconveniencing anyone. It feels great to invest in something that truly belongs to me.
I also used $100 to pay school fees for two of my children. The school had informed me that they would send them back home due to a lack of funds, but thanks to GiveDirectly's timely transfer, my children have been able to stay in school without interruption.
My family was also struggling to afford food, so I spent $45 to buy enough supplies to keep us healthy and energized. Finally, I used $33 to purchase household items that I didn’t have before, including chairs and cushions. These additions have made our home more comfortable, and I am grateful for the support that has allowed us to improve our quality of life.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18240 KES ($141 USD)
access_time 3 months ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at the hospital with my daughter-in-law, who was giving birth, when I received the notification about the money. It felt like a double blessing—welcoming a new grandchild and receiving a large amount of money at the same time. Before the transfer, I was stressed about how we would manage once we left the hospital, with no food or transport, so the first thing I did was plan to buy food for the new mother and clothes for the baby.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference since receiving the cash transfer is that it provided my family with immediate relief and stability. We no longer had to worry about food, which allowed us to focus on our maize farm without the constant stress of daily survival. Clearing the school fees ensured my child stayed in school without any interruptions, bringing me peace of mind. Additionally, the new clothes for my family lifted our spirits, helping us feel better despite the challenges we continue to face. The transfer has given us a sense of security and hope for a more stable future. I am truly grateful to GiveDirectly for their support.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My husband is a fisherman, and I do casual jobs like burning charcoal. However, we don’t rely heavily on charcoal; most of our income comes from my husband’s earnings, which are about $3 a day. He used to be the primary breadwinner, but sometimes we struggle to find a market for the fish, making it difficult to afford basic necessities. When I received the cash transfer, we had no savings, and my daughter-in-law was at the maternity ward, so I used $50 to purchase clothes for the newborn and other essentials. Additionally, I spent $50 on food to ensure we had enough at home. This allowed us to focus on our 2-hectare maize farm without worrying about where our next meal would come from. I also had outstanding school fees, so I allocated $40 to clear those arrears and ensure my child could stay in school without any interruptions.With the remaining $30, we decided to buy new clothes for my family of five, ensuring that everyone had something new to wear. The cash transfer came at the perfect time and helped us cover our immediate needs while allowing us to plan for the future.
Enrolled
access_time 5 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Since we do not have a stable source of income, receiving this money means financial independence. I have two acres of land close to the river and since I have a generator, I will use the transfers to purchase water pipes and start of vegetables farming. My husband on the other hand will purchase three beehives for a start from which we can earn a. Living through the sale of honey. I am happy because the transfers will change our lives for the better,and my children will lead a better life.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Even though life is more challenging, I am happy because all my children are in school. They are performing well in their studies and this gives me the hope that their future will be better than mine.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial constraints is the biggest challenge. We do charcoal burning to earn a living, recently it was banned by the government hence lack of market. In a week we earn $6 and this is hardly enough to cater to all the family basic needs. My children lack school fees and they spend most of the days at home hence missing out on their studies something that am not happy.
