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 ($468 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 boost livestock rearing which I started with the transfer. Currently, I own eight goats and I intend to purchase 12 more goats once I get money. I am planning to venture into livestock rearing as a full-time career. This will be a future investment for my two kids, I will sell animals when they grow up to support their education to college level.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in coming up with a non-refundable cash transfer program. To add not to that, the enrollment process was done openly and fairly. Every household was included in the program without discrimination. I do not see anything that was not done well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 21,500 of the transfer to construct a spacious shelter for my family of 4 members. This is because the house that I own is very small to fully accommodate both us and the commodities. In addition, it serves as our kitchen at the same time. I also bought 4 goats for KES 12,400. I will be able to sell them once they reproduce to educate my kid. For the remaining amount, I bought enough food for the family since we had no food in my food storage.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($491 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received a message while on my way from fetching some water. I halted to confirm what the message was all about and to astonishment; I saw a huge amount that I hadn’t received before in my phone. This was the first transfer from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy for I knew some of the hardships I was passing through ere going to be resolved.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Initially, my living condition was very bad. I used to go for some days without getting some food, it was so pity. But since the day GiveDirectly came into my life, things have changed to the better. I now get some food and I am living comfortably.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon withdrawing the money, the first priority was a house. This is because the initial house was in a bad state and renovating it was not wise than construction a new one. I bought 28 pieces of iron sheets for KES 26600.00 and 10 pieces of plain sheets for KES 2500.00. As the saying goes, “a house hold without livestock is not complete”, I bought 4 goats for KES 11200.00, a bed and a mattress for KES 10300.00 and a small water tank of 130 litres for KES 1300.00 to try solving the water problems we are facing in our area.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means better shelter for me and my family. I have always wanted a decent house where I can comfortably host visitors. My house is only one tiny room. I do not have any privacy since my visitors can see everything in my house. My seven year old daughter will soon need her privacy. My budget for the house is approximately KES 30,000. I will also use the KES 15,000 to buy 4 goats. Goat keeping is a good investment for my future needs especially paying school fees once they increase in number.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I spend my day looking for a means of getting money to buy food. I mainly fetch firewood then carry on my head to Bamba shopping centre which is a one hour walk. By evening, I usually feel very exhausted. I take time to have a cold shower then cook and have a decent meal. I rarely have lunch so as to save enough for supper. Evening is therefore the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Scarcity of food and water is the biggest hardship in my life. I have experienced this year in year out because of persistent drought . For the seven years of my marriage, I have been struggling to feed my children. I have two children who look up to me. My spouse is a herdsman far away from home. He earns a monthly income of KES 4,000. He sends me KES 1,000 which is barely enough to cater for all the needs of my children. I supplement this by selling firewood in order to get money for buying food and water. Nothing is left for other needs such as clothes, school fees and getting better shelter. It is really tough.
