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 ($421 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?
The issue of food insecurity has been a thorn in the flesh. Going forward we have decided to put a concerted effort to plant food crops such as maize and vegetables to get enough production that can sustain us throughout the year. We intend to plant maize seedlings, DKK 777 variety that is highly resistant to drought and diseases. This way we will be assured of the harvest. In doing this we intend to do proper timing so that we can maximize on the production.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly is doing an amazing job. They embrace and assist all needy people. Some of us had reservations about the transfers but when they explained to us we understood so well. Even whenever they visit and do not find the household member they usually do the subsequent visits. They also check on our progress and ensured that everything is okay including the mpesa security just to be sure that our transfers are safe.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The transfers came as a huge enabler to me and my family. We were insufficient in terms of milk production. We had always wanted to purchase a dairy cow but we did not have the means. When we got the transfers we used them to purchase a dairy cow worth KES 30000 at Chebunyo market, true to our intention it has assisted us in terms of milk productivity. Now we have enough for our daily consumption and surplus that we sell and use the proceeds to pay school fees. This has eased our lives and we are so elated about this.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 5pm while herding my cattle when I heard an SMS notification on my phone. I checked and confirmed to have received KES55000 from GiveDirectly. I was very happy and withdrew the money the following day.
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 the transfers is buying a heifer and a goat.This is because the heifer will be an additional source of income for my family and the goat will act as a long term investment as well. I had desired to have an additional dairy cow for the past six years but couldn't afford. Nowadays, I no longer struggle with casual labor because with GiveDirectly transfers I can afford to buy food in bulk of which I couldn't afford before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES30000 on a heifer because it will soon give birth and be additional source of income for my family. I also spent KES5000 on a goat as a long term investment, KES700 on a table and KES6000 on two maize sacks. I also spent KES7000 on payment of my son's school fees and KES700 on clothing. I normally rely on well wishers and community contributions in order to pay my kids school fees.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that I will buy a cow and sheep to rear. Buying livestock will cost about KES 50,000. I will pay school fees for my children in school with part of the transfer but remain with livestock as an investment. The sheep will multiply and earn me more money while the milk will serve as a daily income source. At my old age, this is exactly what I need.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My only joy is having successfully grown maize and harvested about one sack, for the first time in a long time. The maize will last my household for about 2 months, relieving from daily hard labour!
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The lack of food in my home is the biggest challenge. Farming is not productive, mainly due to poor rainfall patterns, forcing me to do menial jobs for daily wages.It is very difficult at my old age to find such menial jobs. As a result, we sometimes stay hungry which stresses me alot.
