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 ($462 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?
My new goal is to focus on educating my kids because I want them to excell in their studies and have a better future. If God gives me the strength, I will also build some rentals in the nearby market.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Supporting us through unconditional cash transfers so that we can make decisions based on greatest needs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had a very big herd of livestock which was swept away by severe drought last year. Since I believe livestock was the biggest investment that I could have, I was left with nothing to call mine and I couldn't afford to buy other livestock as my husband is a charcoal burner and his business was also affected greatly by the drought as the trees around were depleted since everyone turned in to the charcoal burning business. Being enrolled in the program gave me another opportunity to own livestock and used part of my first transfer to buy livestock and spend 39000 KES to buy three cows. I spend the balance to buy enough food and clothing for my kids. I'm so grateful for the support.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($485 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was at night and I was done eating but wasn't yet asleep as I was still talking to my family members when I got the SMS confirming that I had received the money from GiveDirectly. I was so happy when I got the money because it was going to help me address the challenges I was facing, especially getting a better and more comfortable bed and mattress.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving money from GiveDirectly is that I now have a proper bed and mattress, and I sleep more comfortably than I used to before. I also have livestock which will continue to take care of us and keep us going for years to come. I am so happy and grateful to GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of the transfer which was KES 39000 on buying nine goats and four sheep because I have always believed that livestock is an investment that will live on. They will multiply and increase in numbers which inturn I'll be able to count on to address the financial challenges I will be facing in the future, especially educating my children. I also spent KES 12000 on buying a bed and mattress because I didn't have them previously and used to sleep on a bed made of sisal ropes which was not very comfortable, and I desired comfort. Therefore, I am now so happy and proud that I sleep comfortably on a proper bed and mattress, all thanks to GiveDirectly.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a source of wealth to my family. I plan to achieve this through livestock rearing. I will spend KES 90000 to buy 20 indegious goats and 10 sheep. I will later sell them at a profit and save the money for rainy days. I will use the proceeds to buy oxen and ox plough to till my 3 acres of land and produce more harvest. The remaining amount will cater for other household expenses like food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the month of July, I applied for a cash grant from the government in a project named KYEOP that aimed at helping the youths transform their lives. I was among the lucky few who got KES 20000 grant. I used the money to buy six goats which is an investment that will go a long way in helping me get income.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The current challenge that I am facing is a scarcity of food and water. This is due to the raving of drought that we are experiencing in our area. It has been almost 2 years without rains in the area and all water pans that we rely on have dried up. I buy 2 of 20litres jerricans of water per day that cost me KES 100. This is very costly to me since I have to buy food every day for my family of 4. My spouse and I depend on charcoal work and our earnings are very little of KES 600 per week. This amount can not fully support all our household expenses, we sometimes miss bathing for 2 days and even skip meals.
