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 primary goal for the upcoming year is to build a quality house that provides safety and ample space for my family, ensuring a comfortable living environment, as our current one is small. To achieve this ambition, I plan to utilize my third transfer. I am confident that with dedication and hard work, this vision can be successfully realized.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has significantly influenced our lives, offering crucial financial assistance. The enrollment process was transparent, and we all received the unrestricted cash as promised. This support arrived at a crucial moment, during a drought season, addressing our immediate needs without the burden of repayment. Up to now, I haven't noticed any operational inefficiencies within the organization, and we are genuinely thankful for the positive impact it has had on our lives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Due to my advanced age and health issues, I lack the energy to engage in work, relying on my children for a livelihood. The promise of receiving money from GiveDirectly was a beacon of hope, allowing me to realize long-held goals, particularly fencing my land, which I accomplished with $120. This step ensures that I can care for my goats without the worry of them damaging crops. Additionally, $90 was used to purchase essential foodstuffs, including maize. The remaining amount was wisely saved for daily needs. The support from GiveDirectly has had a profound impact, significantly uplifting my life, and for this, I am truly grateful.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($124 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Receiving the initial transfer from GiveDirectly filled me with immense happiness. My phone was in the possession of my helper, who promptly informed me upon confirming the transfer. Coincidentally, my helper was at a nearby shopping center and hurried home to share the joyful news. Recognizing the urgency of the situation and my inability to leave home due to my advanced age, we efficiently distributed the funds within the confines of my residence. This arrangement proved vital, given my restricted mobility, and it enabled me to cater to my necessities as my helper prepared to head back to Nakuru for their casual labor.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The most significant change in my daily life since receiving the first payment from GiveDirectly has been the acquisition of additional livestock, which has instilled in me a profound sense of financial stability. I no longer worry as intensely, even during the dry seasons, because I know I can sell some of my livestock to secure the necessary funds for purchasing food.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used the first transfer from GiveDirectly to make some important investments. I purchased three goats, with two of them costing $50 each and the smaller one at $35, totaling $135. With my children seeking job opportunities and facing difficulties finding stable employment, I occasionally support their efforts by selling some of the goats and sharing the earnings with them. Currently, I have a herd of over 20 goats, some of which belong to my sons, but they all graze together on my field. Additionally, I allocated $35 to buy 50 kilograms of dry maize grains, which my two grandchildren and I are still using for sustenance. The remaining funds were used to acquire various household essentials. I am grateful for the support from GiveDirectly that has brought a lot of transformation in my household since I received it, and I hope to see and do more once I receive the subsequent transfers.
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Receiving the transfers means so much to me. This is because I believe that receiving the transfers will change my life and will help me meet my most pressing needs. I plan to purchase foodstaffs with the first transfers. I intend to purchase a bag of maize and beans and other households needs such as cooking fat and sugar. This will cost me about $150 of the transfers. For the second and third transfers I plan to purchase 4 goats at $40 each which will act as an investment into the future. For the remaining transfers, I plan to build myself a house. This will ensure that I have a discent house that I can stay in with my grandchildren when they visit me. I'm glad that I will be among those who receive the transfers since it will change my live positively.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiness in the pas 6 months came from my grandchildren, Moroba, Jepkosgei and Kurgat who visited me one month ago. They brought me food, money and fruits which delighted me so much.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
At the moment my main challenge is a lack of food. It has been three years since we grew enough food on our farms which has led to a lack of enough grains in our stores. The high cost of food has also made it worse since I cannot afford to buy food from the market. Currently, I only depend on my children to bring me food which they do occasionally. Whenever I don't have food I'm forced to go hungry which stresses and saddens me so much.
