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 ($490 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different now because I managed to build myself a decent house which I was not able to accomplish in so many years, but all this was realised in a short period, My living standards have improved to a different level, I also bought sofa set seats and my kids are so happy because we now own one. I am so grateful for all this support
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly Staff spoke well and politely to us, all our questions were addressed well, I don't see anything that they didn't do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a subsistent farmer but I make very little out of it because of the harsh climatic conditions in our area, I have always wanted to build a house but all that was not possible due to financial constraints, therefore When I received my transfer I prioritised building a new decent house for my 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?
After the enrolment into the program, the anticipation of the transfer became the talk of the village. Receiving it brought a lot more excitement all over and our household had that as the climax. This was my happiest moment which I could not hide at all cost. Even though everyone was so sure that the money will be hitting our accounts anytime on that same date, it was not a normal scenario to me when I finally confirmed. I had a feeling that a reverse transaction could be done and had to struggle to remind myself of all the teachings I received during our first interaction with the officers in the meeting. This then calmed my nerves and an assurance that even after the next day, that same amount will still be in my account.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
After receiving the first transfer, the biggest difference in my daily life is the complete construction or storage facility - a granary with a large storage capacity. This is a dream come true after a long time of planning to construct one even when I had nothing. I was lucky enough to get strong construction materials to erect as pillars making the structure stronger and assuring us of its durability. I am still grateful and hopeful that the second transfer will still push us past the next milestone.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Harvesting seasons have always given us hard times in our household since we have never had enough space to store our harvests. I had been contemplating on how to make enough savings to put up a new granary. This has never been possible but after receiving the transfer, I managed to construct a spacious one which cost us 34000KES. I also used 20000KES on purchasing a heifer and the small remaining amount on foodstuff. Having a potentially fast-growing heifer on our field has given me a sense of future security since we are gradually getting ourselves ready to pay school fees for our kids and having livestock to sell in case we run short of finances is our new plan.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have looking after my neighbour's cattle for the last 14 years without having one of my own. Receiving this money means that I will be able to buy three dairy cattle for a total cost of 50,000 shillings and another 20,000 shillings to cater for their feeding program. For the remaining balance, I will use to construct a poultry unit for my existing chicken and maybe add some more.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have divided my activities for the day into two; farming and pasturing. After I am done with the usual household chores, I take my livestock for grazing in the nearby reaperian land until lunch time. I then cook for my kids who are coming back from school for lunch and then head to the farm until evening. In my farm, I mostly grow sweet potatoes, maize and beans. Sweet potatoes is the main staple food in our village and so my happiest part of the day is in the evening when my fellow villagers come to buy them there. This is so because the money I get from the sale of the sweet potatoes is a reward for my hard work.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Looking after somebody else property as if it is yours has been the biggest hardship I have ever experienced. I have been looking after my neighbour's cattle for the last 14 years while at the same time milking her. The owner has been ensuring that I remain with one cattle even after multiplying by selling her calves once they mature. The milk I get is hardly enough to supplement my family and the addition costs of raising a dairy cattle like buying acaricides. I hope one day I will have one of my own.
