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 ($432 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I would like to rear livestock, especially goats, and sell them whenever I need the money for my children's school fees. I would also like to start farming so that I stop buying food such as vegetables and flour at the market. The food there is expensive and with a big family, it has become challenging for me to have three meals a day.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly helps everyone, it does not discriminate against the old and I am thankful for choosing me. I also like it when they call me and ask me how I have been and if I got the transfer. They are very kind.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am seventy-five years old, and finding employment has been a challenge due to my age. Most days I am at home making traditional alcohol and selling it to the villagers. I make $5 a day which I use to buy food for my family. I have seven children all in school and paying school fees has been challenging. Before the transfer, I had $450 in arrears which stressed me out but thanks to GiveDirectly I paid the arrears and my children are in school now.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($460 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I heard about the receipts of the transfer from relatives who were celebrating and narrating stories about GiveDirectly. I was at home sweeping the compound that morning before I could leave to work. I decided to check the account balance since most of my neighbors had received the transfer. I felt extremely happy after learning that I had KES 55000 on the account. I was sure that would be able to solve most of my challenges.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Owning a sustainable source of income for the family after starting a taxi business with the transfer is the biggest difference in my daily life. Previously, I was not working because of my deteriorating health condition due to old age. Similarly, I was able to employ a cyclist to operate the motorbike.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 25,000 to purchase a brand new motorbike on hire purchase and intend to pay the remaining on installment . This was to accomplish the desire of starting taxi business as an reliable source of livelihood for myself. Currently, I am earning an income of KES 400 per day which is helping in meeting the needs especial food and eduction of my 7 children. In addition, I used KES 8600 to clear a debt at the nearby food store where we were taking foodstuffs on credit when we lacked money. With the remaining amount I bought enough food for the family of 9 member.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My house does not have a door, I feel insecure being in that house. People steal for me when I am away, so I have to stay indoors to protect my property. Receiving this money I intend to buy a metallic door and fix it for my security. With the prolonged drought in my area most of my cows perished. I will buy five goats so that I can start rearing because I saw they can outstand during the drought season. With the remaining amount I will clear all the school fees balances for my five children and buy them new pairs of uniforms.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am a herbal doctor in my profession, different people came for medical appeals. I thank God my family of five children has constantly been healthy in the past six months. My family well being brings me joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have a family of five children, and feeding them has always been a challenge for me. I am a herbal man by profession but due to the prolonged drought, all the herbs withered. I can not attend to most of my customers thus getting money has been a problem. In one week I can only attend to one customer and get 300 KES which is insufficient to buy food. My children fight when I get the food on the table and they eat faster because the food is not enough. I feel embarrassed seeing my children with such behaviors.
