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 ($505 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
At the moment, my life is different than how it would have been had I not received the transfer because I was able to pay the circumcision fee for my son. Even though my husband sent me out of our matrimonial home after we received second transfers, I was able to achieve this on my own. I was able to achieve this using the KES 15000 that he gave me to use as transport and to start my life all over again.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well by uplifting our lives in different ways through the transfers and I do not see anything that they did not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
When I received my second transfer, my spouse spent all the amount to buy a power saw. He settled on this so that it would relieve him of the hustles of looking for some casual work to do around the village. With this, he will also be able to earn more income compared to when he was depending on any available casual work.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($530 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
Expanding my dairy project had always been my prayer but had not been able to due to financial constraints. Buying three heifers using my transfers is so far the biggest difference in my daily life. I am optimistic that it will be calving soon thus an increase in milk production. I will be supplying the milk to our local cooler plant where I will be paid every month. I will be using the income from this project to pay for my children's school fees and to cater for my family needs.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was early in the morning when I received a message notification on my phone. On checking to know who the sender is, I was filled with happiness upon realizing that GiveDirectly had sent me the money. I waited impatiently for dawn to break so that I would start using the money to achieve my goals.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
When I received my first transfers, I spent part of it to buy three heifers for rearing. I settled on this so that when they reproduce, they will increase in number within a short period. Also, I used some amount to buy some animal feeds and licks, three sacks of maize flour and other foodstuffs for my family. I still have KES 8000 which I am planning to use in case of an emergency.
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Maize farming in this community has been marred by uncertainties like prolonged droughts and soil borne diseases, therefore making livestock keeping a better alternative. I am planning to invest my first transfer on four heifers. I would later sell them to buy two but improved dairy cows which will give me a good production. This is going to be a good source of income for my children's education and food for the family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My husband does motorcycle taxi for a living and his work brings a good source of income. Whereas I work in our farm, it is too much work yet insignificant yield out of it. The happiest part of my day is when he comes home in the evening. This is because he brings with him enough food for the family. This is relief after a hard day's work.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I've faced in my life is starvation. Living in an ASAL area like this come with its fair share of adversity. Seasons have changed so much so that we no longer know how to practice timely planting since weather changes extremely every two to three months. I've seen livestock succumb to starvation due to drought. When this happen, we lack food to eat and children are forced to drop out of school due to lack of income.
