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 main goal for this year and the coming years is to expand my livestock base to secure a future financial stream of income. To achieve this, I plan to continue using a portion of my transfers to buy more chicken and save another portion in our local savings group. Once the savings mature, I will use them to buy goats. I also hope the chicken that I will buy will multiply, increasing in number and value, so that I can sell them to buy more goats. As the goats increase in number and value, I am also planning to trade them in the future for male and female cows. Over time, my goal is to own several cows and goats, allowing me to sell them when needed to support my family and my children's education, especially when this project comes to an end.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have always wanted to own cows and goats as assets so that I would have them as reliable assets that I would use them to take care of my family in the future. Owning these animals needed me to have some strategy that would lead me to this achievement because right now I cannot just buy them due to their expensive value that I cannot afford. I therefore decided to save some money in our local savings group, and this time I saved $50 of my recent transfers so that once it matures, I may use the money to buy goats. I also spent $10 of the transfers to buy 2 chickens, adding to what I already have, and also bought chicken feed using $6 of the transfers in hopes that these chickens will multiply, and in the future I may sell them and use the proceeds to buy more goats. I also have two children at school with whom I had a school fee debt balance that needed to be cleared. I therefore spent $20 to pay their school fees. Lastly, I used the remaining $16 of the transfers to buy food for my family. I am excited for the opportunities that GiveDirectly has given me and my family and looking forward to what I am going to achieve in the future.
22nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 5 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My main aim is to expand our family's assets by purchasing four additional goats. This may seem like a modest goal, but it's rooted in a deep desire to provide a stable foundation for my children's future education. With each goat representing a valuable asset, I envision a scenario where my kids can rely on these animals as a source of income or security when they embark on their journeys to colleges and higher education institutions. It's a simple plan, but one that carries profound meaning for me. I refuse to let financial strain hinder my children's opportunities for success. I want nothing more than to witness them prosper and excel in school, and these goats are just one step towards securing a brighter future for them.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
On receiving the cash transfer, I swiftly invested in a goat, envisioning a brighter future for my children's education. With $60, I secured this asset, knowing that its value would appreciate over time, easing the financial burden of their schooling. As my children currently navigate their primary education, I harbor hopes that by the time they advance to higher levels, the herd will have multiplied, providing a sustainable source for their educational needs. Prioritizing their academic journey, I promptly allocated $38 towards their school fees, ensuring uninterrupted learning. Additionally, I purchased uniforms for my two children, recognizing the significance of a conducive learning environment. This proactive approach stems from past struggles, where financial constraints often hindered their educational pursuits. However, with careful planning and the support of the cash transfer, I aim to safeguard their academic future. Despite the uncertainties surrounding my cassava business, I set aside $6 as a safety net for any unexpected financial needs or emergencies. This cautious approach stems from years of navigating the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship. While my business might not be flourishing, I refused to let it dictate my family's well-being. Instead, I embraced the opportunity provided by the cash transfer to create a more stable foundation for my children's future.
18th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($21 USD)
access_time 9 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Our financial situation, my husband's and mine, is currently challenging, and we have two children attending school. While my husband operates a tuk-tuk for taxi services in town, I sustain our income by vending foodstuffs. To enhance our financial stability and ensure a secure future for our children, I've ventured into livestock keeping, focusing on goats and chickens. Presently, I own two goats and 18 chickens, with the intention of expanding this livestock venture. These animals serve as valuable assets that can be readily sold to meet the financial demands of our children's education. By growing our livestock, I aim to create a reliable source of funds, enabling us to cover educational expenses when the time comes for our children to advance in their studies.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I've diligently set aside my recent transfers with the goal of acquiring a goat. After accumulating $55, I successfully made the purchase, marking the fulfillment of a longstanding desire to possess assets that can serve as a financial safety net. Initially having one goat, I now boast a total of two, with aspirations to foster their reproduction and establish a growing herd. Considering the responsibilities of supporting my young family, including children in primary school who depend on me, I recognize the potential challenges ahead. While my current income from selling chapati every morning sustains us for now, it may not cover all future educational expenses. My husband's income from motorcycle services, though helpful, isn't sufficient either. Therefore, the acquisition of livestock serves as a strategic advantage. In addition to the goats, I invested $4 in purchasing poultry, aiming to develop a thriving poultry project. Presently, I manage 18 birds, anticipating that they will contribute to supplementing our income. With a child starting school, I diligently saved a larger portion of the transfers over the past months to cover expenses such as new school uniforms and timely payment of fees. I am pleased that my children are comfortably enrolled in school because of the transfers since I saved enough for this purpose.
14th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($23 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
One of my long-standing aspirations within my current chicken rearing project has been to diversify my livestock endeavors, specifically by expanding into goat rearing. My goal is to gradually achieve this by constructing an additional shed and acquiring a new goat every month. Given that the cost of a goat typically amounts to around $30, I plan to initiate this expansion starting next month. This endeavour will present an opportunity for increased income for my family in the long run.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The GiveDirectly transfers have been a tremendous blessing to me and my family. With the financial support, I was able to make several important investments. Firstly, I used a portion of the funds to finally construct a proper brood for my chicken-rearing project, which I had been longing to do for months. This not only improved the living conditions of my 11 chickens but also set the stage for future expansion. I invested $20 in purchasing timber and other necessary materials for the construction. Furthermore, I decided to bolster my chicken flock by purchasing two more chickens at a cost of $970, which will undoubtedly increase my income in the future. Additionally, I used part of the funds to pay $5 in school fees for one of my children who had been sent home due to pending fees and thanks to GiveDirectly, I now feel a profound sense of relief and gratitude as I see my family's future becoming more secure and promising.
10th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My long-term goal is to raise goats in my own herd. To do this, I am raising chickens right now and intend to keep buying more of them, which I will then sell once they are fully grown. The money will go toward the purchase of a goat. Goats thrive in our region and are rarely affected by the constantly shifting weather. Additionally, I want to expand my grocery business in order to raise revenue from it.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Currently, my family of three lives in a two-room home. Our goal is to make our home better by renovating it and adding an extra room that will be used by my children. I already spent $12 on ten building posts for this project. Using the subsequent transfers, I'll keep purchasing more materials. For an additional $13, I purchased four chicks for raising and some chicken feed. I then used the remaining transfers, $10, to cover the cost of my two children's schooling.
6th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($28 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Since I've been a part of the program, my perspective has changed and my mind has expanded. I never thought I would own any livestock, but right now I think it might happen. I want to buy at least three goats to raise before the year is over. They give birth more quickly, and after another year, I will have more of them, which I plan to sell to raise money for a cow. With the cow, my family will have access to sufficient milk, which is beneficial for their health. We can also sell the extra milk, which will increase our household income.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The walls of my house were made of mud, and as a result of the continual rain, a portion of the wall eventually fell. While my partner drives a motorized rickshaw, I sell vegetables, but most of the time, the money we make from these sources goes toward our children's school expenses and meals. This made it difficult to purchase or modify a dream house. We were fortunate to get accepted into the program since it helped us out financially. I spent $60 on building supplies and labor for the house renovation using the transfers from the previous three months. It is currently sound and steady. I spent $20 on chicken feed and 4 hens to raise in order to increase my income. Aside from that, I spent the $6 I had left on family food. When the kids started school again for the new school year, I paid $16 to enroll them. Since I began receiving the payments, my business has expanded because I no longer utilize the majority of the revenues, allowing me to invest them in growing it.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($25 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, unlike how other companies operate, GiveDirectly's approach is unique. It does so well in minimizing the possibility of favoritism by ensuring direct visitation to every potential household. For all who are successful, GiveDirectly does well in giving them unconditional transfers that they can use to meet their urgent needs. Consequently, I have experienced a tremendous improvement in my way of life since I could comfortably pay off my pending school fees. Similarly, all beneficiaries from my village highly appreciate GiveDirectly. In contrast, there is nothing that GiveDirectrly does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My husband does a motorcycle taxi business while I run a small vegetable business. In my family, we always experience a low level of income. Whatever we earn is always insufficient to cater to the educational needs of our three children. Immediately after I received my recent transfer, I spent $20 on paying part of their school fees. I am glad that for the past one month, all have been undertaking their studies comfortably. With the rest of the transfer, I also bought food. Although my family had not missed a meal, I was worried that the foodstuff available would not last us a day. Thanks to GiveDirectly for the timely help.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($25 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was at 3pm o'clock, I was done with selling vegetables. Considering that not much was made in terms of sales, I did not make any profit thus diminishing my hope of providing adequately for my family. However, things took a positive turn when my phone vibrated indicating a message notification. I quickly checked it out and after noticing that it was an Mpesa message indicating that I had received the cash transfer, I was extremely happy and decided to call my husband and informed him of the good news. Ultimately we decided to withdraw the cash and buy meals for our family of four first.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is having food in my house...I had bad sales and my husband also had no money since he had already told me that he did not have money's.. I was happy that my family of four people were able to eat well
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Having a grate desire to renovate my house, I therefore did not hesitate to set KES 2000 amount obtained from the first transfer for buying timbers that will play a big role during the renovation process. Since it had been quite a while before my family of four had a decent meal, I therefore decided to go buy a well balanced food for them. I have been selling vegetables and my husband do operate a tuk tuk to make ends meet. I am grateful that GiveDirectly did cheap in and helped us grow economically.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will enable me to do some repairs on my house because the walls are falling off. I need to buy poles and supporters for the walls then make the mud walls a fresh. This will cost me the first(3,000 KES) and second transfer(3,000 KES) or maybe even more. I also have a business of hawking groceries which I would love to boost with the money. I started it recently and I am hoping to grow it more in the coming months.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I started a small business of hawking groceries one month ago. It is picking up well hence this has been my source of happiness. At least I can have a little cash that I have worked for instead of fully depending on my spouse. This independence is the beginning of a chapter that brings a good feeling in my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
All the challenges I am facing are related to finances. This is because everything need comes with it's share of expenses. It is more tough because the cost of living has gone high. The basic needs and education are the main challenges. For education for example, there is school fees, school uniform, exam fees and money for meals which are very demanding.