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?
My plan is to focus on farming by planting green grams and beans, as they require fewer expenses and ripen in less than three months. This approach will help me grow food for my family and potentially earn income by selling the surplus. I believe that investing in these crops will provide immediate benefits and support my children's education. Additionally, I aim to create a sustainable source of food at home, reducing our reliance on casual jobs. I hope to build a better future for my family through these efforts. Overall, I am determined to make the most of this opportunity and improve our lives.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The officers did a great job by treating everyone equally and enrolling all of us without any discrimination. They showed professionalism in their work, and I appreciate that they didn’t favor anyone. This approach made me feel valued and included in the program. However, I would suggest that they try to enroll some people who were left out so that more families can benefit. It would help even more people in our community if they could reach those who missed the opportunity. Overall, I am grateful for what GiveDirectly has done, and I hope they can continue to improve by including everyone in need.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Caring for my family and securing our future has always been my biggest dream. When I received the cash transfer, I felt a wave of hope wash over me. I used $250 to buy five sheep, knowing they would not only help me earn money but also support my children's school fees. These sheep are more than just animals to me; they are a lifeline, a way to ensure that my children have a better future. In addition, I spent $80 to hire laborers to harvest my beans, and I was filled with joy when I saw the five bags weighing 90 kilograms each. Knowing that we have enough beans at home brings me comfort and reduces our worries about food.The remaining $100 went to buy food for my family, which has been so important since the floods took away two acres of our farmland. Life has been tough, and my husband and I have struggled to find work to support our four children. We worked long hours in casual jobs just to get by, but the cash transfer has changed everything for us. Now, I can focus on farming and providing for my family without the constant stress of looking for daily work. This support has given us a renewed sense of hope and the strength to move forward.With this opportunity, I feel empowered to create a brighter future for my family. The sheep will be a source of income, and the beans will keep our bellies full. I am deeply thankful for the chance to rebuild our lives after the floods and to give my children a good education. This experience has opened my eyes to the importance of making wise investments, and I am committed to making the most of this chance. Each step I take is for my family's future, and I am determined to ensure they have a better life.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18240 KES ($142 USD)
access_time 2 months ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home doing housework when I heard a message notification. It confirmed that I had received money from a name I didn’t recognize. At first, my husband and I thought it might be a mistake, but the amount matched what we were promised by GiveDirectly. We then confirmed with our neighbors that our suspicion was correct; we had indeed received the money from GiveDirectly. We were overjoyed. Thank you, GiveDirectly!
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Using part of my first transfer to invest in crops has given me a sense of pride and empowerment as a woman. For many years, I depended on support from my husband, but now I’m taking steps to contribute on my own. After losing our maize crops, I look forward to harvesting the beans. The income from the harvest will not only help me reinvest in more crops but also provide for our needs and support my husband for once. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for giving me this opportunity
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
As crop farmers, my husband and I face several challenges. Flash floods struck our community, destroying our 1.5 acres of maize farm. Determined not to give up, I used the GiveDirectly transfer to invest in vegetables and legumes. Since the money wasn’t enough to cover all my needs, I partnered with my in-law. We each contributed $100 to cultivate vegetables and beans. Unfortunately, the vegetables didn’t survive due to ongoing rains, but the beans on a three-quarter-acre piece of land are thriving. We expect to harvest in less than two months and hope to get about 5 to 6 bags, each selling for $130. We plan to share the income and then reinvest in crops on my own. Additionally, I bought a sofa for $55. Despite having a spacious house, we only had 5 plastic chairs, which made it feel like a hall. Owning a sofa has always been my wish, and I’m thrilled it finally came true. I also purchased 45 kg of maize for $15 to sustain us for a while and used the remaining money to buy a few clothes for my children.
Enrolled
access_time 4 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Most of the families in my community are building resilience through crop farming. I am planning to spend $250 to cultivate an acre piece of land. This will help my household to be a food secure family. My children are growing up and I do not have extra room for them. With the transfers from GiveDirectly, I will spend $350 to build them a single-roomed house. I am also planning to invest in livestock farming, this will cost me $155 of my transfers.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In our culture Ilchamus, we value dowry so much. Dowry is a symbol of unity for both families, that is the bride and the groom's family. It was in May 2024 when my husband chose a different path and paid my dowry. This symblified his love and commitment to our marriage.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
It is the farming season in our community and everyone is busy working on their farms. This is the opposite for our household. It is unfortunate that we do not have enough capital to cultivate our farm and this pains me a lot. The happiness of every mother is having enough food in stock for the family. My life now is full of worries and uncertainties, I have nothing in store to feed my family of seven. My kitchen was not spared during the recent flash floods. We are now using open air as a kitchen which is not healthy for us.