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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3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($276 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming years, my primary goal is to enhance the conditions of my land and ensure successful farming. I plan to achieve this by prioritizing the fencing of my land this year. The reason behind this decision is to prevent disruptions from neighboring animals, which have been a challenge in the past. By securing my land with a fence, I aim to create a safe and protected environment for my farming activities.
This initiative not only safeguards my crops but also provides security for my home and family. Having a fenced land means fewer worries about potential damage to my crops by animals and, in turn, ensures a more stable source of income and food for my family. The accomplishment of this goal would bring a sense of security and satisfaction to both my farming endeavors and the well-being of my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly is doing well in my opinion. The support they provide has made a positive impact on my life, allowing me to achieve significant improvements. The assistance has been effective, addressing my immediate needs and empowering me to make positive changes. As for improvement, I don't have any specific suggestions. I appreciate the positive impact they've had on my life, and I believe they are already doing a great job in their current programs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving my recent transfer of $450 from GiveDirectly, I felt a great sense of joy. Recognizing the need for improved living conditions, I wisely allocated $400 towards building a two-bedroom house for my family. With three kids, our previous single-bedroom arrangement was insufficient. This new home provides us with the space and comfort we deserve.
I allocated $50 of the transfer to purchase food. Prior to this, our family was facing food scarcity, and this allocation helped address our immediate nutritional needs. Now, not only do we have a more suitable living space, but we also have improved food security, contributing significantly to the well-being of my family. The impact of this transfer has brought positive changes to our living conditions and alleviated the challenges we faced.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($295 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?
For a long period, I have been operating a motorcycle taxi service, assisting community members in transporting their purchased goods from the shopping center to their homes. Through this endeavor, I have gained valuable insights into the goods people seek from distant places and what's readily available in the local shopping center. These experiences have sparked numerous business ideas. Looking ahead to the next year, I aspire to establish a hardware shop specializing in construction materials and farm tools. Currently, I am diligently saving from my motorbike taxi business, and as soon as I approach the $2000 mark, I plan to stock the new shop with a comprehensive range of goods to serve the entire community. The goal is not only to save customers' time but also to reduce their transportation costs, offering them more affordable alternatives compared to the expenses they incur when shopping in town. This venture aligns with my vision of contributing positively to the community by providing convenient access to essential products while fostering economic efficiency.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly's support to our community has been helpful and impactful, in my opinion. Since their arrival in our village, they have executed their work seamlessly, adhering consistently to their criteria. The program has garnered widespread satisfaction, and the community, including myself, is elated to be part of this program, which has significantly contributed to improving our living standards. The financial support received has been a game-changer, enabling me to expedite the construction of a house, a goal that would have taken a considerably longer time to achieve through the inconsistent proceeds from my motorcycle taxi business. The unconditional cash support has allowed me to accomplish a great deal within a short timeframe, and I remain optimistic about completing all the ongoing projects before utilizing the entirety of the promised amount. The impact of GiveDirectly's support is tangible and holds the promise of a brighter future for individuals and the entire community.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving the second transfer, I immediately thought about creating a more spacious and comfortable home for my family of three. I allocated funds wisely, investing $235 in 24 iron sheets, $105 in roofing frames, and $42 in 14 poles to start the construction process. Currently underway, I anticipate the completion of our new household by the end of this month, enabling us to move out of our current small living space and repurpose it as a kitchen. Additionally, I expanded our livestock holdings by adding two goats valued at $80, bringing the total to 10. This strategic move serves as a long-term investment, as I plan to sell the offspring to cover household expenses and contribute to my children's school fees in the future. The support from GiveDirectly has been instrumental in these transformative steps, and I am grateful for the positive changes in our lives. With the remaining transfers, I look forward to making further improvements for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($124 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I learned about the arrival of my transfer in the evening because I was deeply absorbed in my work as a rider. Upon returning home, I noticed an Mpesa notification on my screen and upon checking, I discovered that I had received a payment from GiveDirectly. Words cannot adequately express the immense joy I felt that evening because I knew that I could finally pursue the goals I had set for myself. I immediately shared the exciting news with my equally thrilled and grateful wife.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life since I began receiving funds from GiveDirectly is that I was finally able to realize my dream of building a proper goat pen, something that was previously unattainable due to financial limitations. I am overjoyed that this dream became a reality within a relatively short period, and I now feel a deep sense of contentment.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving our first transfer, my wife and I decided to invest the money in building a goat pen. This decision stemmed from our desire to enhance our goat-rearing venture, with hopes of eventually reaping profitable returns. Our financial circumstances had previously posed challenges due to the nature of our work; I work as a rider, and my wife is a farmer. Our income was primarily allocated to covering our basic necessities. We have been blessed with one child, which added to our responsibilities. Therefore, I spent $150 towards constructing the goat pen and utilized the remaining funds to purchase essential food items. I am elated that I was able to realize my goal in such a short time frame, and for this, I am truly grateful.
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I dropped out of school for lack of school fees and started doing casual jobs to support my siblings. Now that they have completed school, I would like to be financially stable. I plan on using the transfers on investing in livestock keeping since it does well in this area. I am excited because from it I can have a reliable source of income. Furthermore , I will purchase a water storage tank and pipes to ensure availability of water at my homestead hence reducing the costs I incur on transporting water.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I do motorcycle business to earn a living and for the past six months it has been consistent. I earn an average of $5 a day which feeds my family and I save $1. I am happy because I am able to develop myself and even invest in livestock keeping.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The persistent drought has resulted in scarcity of water in this area. As a result, we have to fetch water from a borehole that is two kilometers away. It is very expensive and tiresome considering one has to use a motorbike and in a day it costs $2 inclusive of water for livestock.