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 ($465 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
After seeing the benefits of the first and second transfers, I set a goal that I am working towards it. Once I get the money I would like to invest in animal raring. In this plan, if I get a good amount of money I will buy cows but if the money will not be enough, I will buy more goats to add to the ones I already have.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did a remarkable thing to the community and to me too. The organization enabled me to start raring goats as well as have a steady flow of food in the family. Initially, we used to stay for some days without getting something to take as food since the source of income we relied upon was not reliable. We fully depended on making and selling charcoals which was a tiresome business and we had no grantee of selling daily.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon withdrawing the second transfer, I segmented the money into different uses which I had earlier planned after using the first transfer. First, I bought three goats for KES 11100.00, the reason for buying the goats was to make a start of a livestock investment plan that I had desired for a long. I also gave KES 10000.00 to my grandson to pay dowry to his in-laws so that he could marry the lady of her choice. Thereafter, I gave out KES 10000.00 to my two sons as an appreciation for taking care of my needs despite them having no defined sources of income. Since I have five grandchildren who are still in school, I paid KES 1500.00 for them because they were supposed to pay for the examination. After settling those issues which I have stated above, I used the remaining amount in buying some food for the family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($511 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at the farm planting some maiz then I heard the phone vibrating. I was so nervous and decided to check the content of the new message that I had just decided. I felt very happy after realizing it was an Mpesa message. I immediately started planning on how to use the money to avoid wasting a cent. It is one of the best days of my life that I will always live to remember.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now have goats in my compound. I settled for them because goats normally reproduce twice yearly and this will be an advantage since they will multiply at a high rate. When they increase in number, I will start a business of selling the matured offspring to the market and the money that I will be getting will be my source of income. I will later save the money that I will be earning in educating my grandchildren who are still young. It feels great because I won't struggle to raise school fees for them since I can readily lean on the goats.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer in buying some bedding which includes a new bed and a mattress. This was to replace the old traditional bed that I have been using all along, which I was not sleeping comfortably. I later bought several iron sheets to renovate my house which had a leaky roof. Also, I bought four goats as living assets to depend on in case of any emergency. Also, I gave my grandson KES 2000 of my transfer to boost his business of selling friend and roasted chicken in town. Also, I cleared school fees arrears for my grandchild so that they can study without being bothered. With the remaing amount of money, I bought enough food for my family
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I depends on goats rearing as my reliable source of income. I have wished to enlarge my activity by purchasing more goats but I have not fulfilled this due to financial challenges. Receiving this money means I will realize my wish since I am planning to spend USD 300 to purchase 10 goats at 30 dollars each. With 10 goats they are able to multiply fast and will be able to sale at a profit whenever I face any financial challenges. The remaining amount will help me in purchasing a bed and mattress because I am sleeping on the floor using old mat.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Being a livestock farmer, I always spend my morning herding my goats until afternoon when I return home to relax. Its also at this time when get to interact my daughter in-laws while sharing lunch with them. We usually chat with one another, The fun stories we share make me laugh a lot. Hence afternoon is the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is my biggest hardship. This has forced me to resort in selling my goats in order to provide food for my family something that has affected my goat rearing job negatively.
