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.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the future, I am hoping to have a spacious kitchen that will be able to accommodate my two children when they come back home after their mother left with them due to my poverty status which made me appear irresponsible towards my family. At the moment, I am cooking from outside where there is no shelter making it difficult to cook during the rainy season and also not appropriate for my health because it can expose me to food-related illnesses. Additionally, I would also love to venture into goat rearing, this is because goats multiply very fast thus giving a secure financial stability in the future which will also enable me to sustain my family in case they return back home.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
One thing that GiveDirectly has done perfectly well is giving me unconditional cash which has empowered me to realize my potential that seemed impossible to achieve within a short period. The cash has impacted my life positively and I can happily say that I have a good semi-permanent house that I did not have before since I was languishing in poverty also I can now afford to put food on my table. In my opinion, I would appreciate it more if GiveDirectly could be cheap in promoting fruit growing in our area by buying us the seedlings and distributing them in all the households within the village, through this we will achieve economic sustainability.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the second transfer from GiveDirectly, I built a house worth $327. Initially, I used to live in a muddy old house that would leak every time it rained which made my living uncomfortable and unbearable. I am so overwhelmed that I can have a decent house for myself. I also bought food costing $123 that will sustain me for a few months thus saving me all the struggles and the stress of having to think about how am going to put food on the table every single day. Having been surviving with charcoal burning and selling business which is illegal in the country, made it quite difficult to even have a visitor around and offer a cup of strong tea. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for making my life better.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($140 USD)
access_time 4 months ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Receiving my first transfers filled me with immense joy, especially since the timing was impeccable - we had been going to bed without eating or surviving on just one meal per day. The thought of being able to have full meals, even if only for a few days, brought immense happiness, particularly because we understand the hardship of going to bed hungry.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The most significant change from when we didn't have financial aid from Give Directly is that my family is now happier and healthier. Having food at home has promoted a sense of peace, satisfaction, and unity among my family members, which is a complete contrast to our previous situation.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving my first transfers, the initial step I took was to secure ample food for the household, spending approximately $70. The second priority was to address the home renovations that were urgently needed, as our roof had some holes that required mending. I purchased iron sheets for $73, acquired posts for $15, and hired a professional for $13 to execute the repairs.
Enrolled
access_time 6 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
The transfer will be of immense help. I have a lot to do but I must also plan well to avoid wastage. A good plan will set me towards sustainability. Due to the hard-hitting drought, I must first buy food. I will spend about $60. That will give me food security for at least a month as I focus on other things.
Investment is important for sustainability. Goats do well here and expand at a fast rate. I plan to buy 5 goats for $200. By rearing them I will be able to support myself for a longer period.
Additionally, I need two cows. They will cost approximately $600. The cows will provide me with milk that can be sold for extra income. It also means saving money meant for buying milk daily. When the cows expand, I can sell them to earn some income. That income will assist me even build a better house in the future.
Since I also have a plan to build a better house. I will use the remaining transfer amount to buy some iron sheets.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am happy staying at my ancestral home. We have beautiful scenery of trees and hills. When I see other people's goats or cows I am happy about my homeland. It gives me hope that one day when I buy livestock they'll also do well.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
It's really difficult for me. I have nothing to support myself, not even a chicken. This means I must do menial jobs or burn charcoal to sustain myself. Getting food is always a nightmare for me. I am always worried about my next meal. When I get a casual job, it all goes to food. I depend on farm jobs such as planting, weeding, or harvesting. One is paid $2 for half a day of hard work. It's hard buying food due to the high cost of living.
