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?
As I look ahead to the coming year and beyond, I aim to expand my livestock venture. I plan to continue using my transfers to purchase more goats, with the hope that they will multiply and increase in both number and value. Eventually, I intend to trade some of these goats for cows. My aspiration is that these cows will also grow and increase in value, providing me with the financial means to support my children's education as they transition to higher levels of schooling. I am genuinely excited and grateful for the opportunity that GiveDirectly has provided. I believe that once this program concludes, I will have established a sustainable source of income that will enable me to care for my family and secure our future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With four children in school and the understanding that they will eventually transition to higher education, I am committed to ensuring they have a smooth journey without facing significant financial constraints. To ensure this, I have been buying goats, and recently I bought 3 goats using $95 of the transfers that I received from GiveDirectly. My hope is that these goats will multiply and increase in number and value so that in the future I may trade some of them for cows that will also grow and sell them to educate my children. Additionally, I spent $5 to buy food for my family, adding to what we already had in our home and making sure we stay healthy. Lastly, I spent the remaining $2 of the transfers to buy some books for my children that were needed in school. I am very grateful for the opportunity that GiveDirectly has given me and my family, and I am looking forward to what life has ahead for us.
22nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 6 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My main goal for the next year and beyond is to establish a thriving livestock venture. I've been using my transfers to buy goats, but I haven't yet reached my desired scale. Moving forward, I plan to continue purchasing livestock each month, with one goat costing around $34.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving transfers from GiveDirectly has been instrumental in realizing my long-held dream of starting a livestock-rearing project. Financial constraints had always hindered me from pursuing this goal, but the transfers changed the game. I currently have 20 goats and intend to expand my herd with future transfers. Recently, I used part of my transfer to purchase another goat worth $34, bringing me closer to my vision of a thriving livestock venture. I am immensely grateful to GiveDirectly for making this dream a reality.
18th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($22 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My plans are set on maximizing the use of the cash transfers I am receiving from Givedirectly by enlarging my goat rearing business.
I will have a form of savings, nurturing them so that when the need for cash arises, I can sell them and always secure financial stability for my family. I'm excited about the potential this investment holds for the future, thanks to Givedirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving the monthly cash transfer from GiveDirectly has truly been a blessing for my family. With $58, I decided to invest in buying three goats, aiming to create a sustainable income by rearing and later selling them. Managing the goats has evolved into a family affair, with my wife taking charge of their care, enabling me to focus on other income-generating activities. Additionally, my motorbike business, earning $14, plays a crucial role in supporting our daily needs, and the extra income ensures that my five children can continue with their education without facing financial constraints.As the festive season approached, I allocated $44 of the cash transfer to buy food and celebrate Christmas with my family. This special treat brought immense joy to our household, and we are sincerely grateful for the support. GiveDirectly has not only empowered us to invest in income-generating activities but has also provided a sense of happiness during significant occasions. The initiative has made a meaningful difference in our lives, allowing us to build a better future for our family.
14th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($24 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?
As I said I have one child now who goes to school and another who is yet to start school. I would like for both of them to be well educated. My hope is I will build a source of finances that will help me educate the. The animals I am buying, I hope will multiply and when they increase I can sell them to cover my children's school fees.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a motorbike rider that is the sole breadwinner of my family of four. My wife is a stay at home mother and we have one school going child. I was able to meet needs and wants I couldn't meet with my $6 daily earnings. I bought chicken and goats. I bought two goats in July and August at $33 and in September I bought six chicks at $15. I was also able to pay school fees for my child at $10 and bought food at $9.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means self-employment. I am planning to start a shop business where I will be mainly selling foodstuffs such as sugar, maize flour, and cereals to the community. I will use 20,000 KES of the transfers as the starting capital for the business. 500 KES per day is my estimated profit. With such an income, I will comfortably sustain myself. I will no longer be depending on my parents.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I dropped out of school mid-last year due to unavoidable circumstances. I was in my final year of primary school. I stayed idle at home for all that time until February this year. I got employed as a motorcycle taxi operator where I ferry passengers within the locality. This was a source of solace for me having stayed inactive for 6 months.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Ferrying people to different destinations using a motorcycle is my current occupation. The challenge I face is the lack of enough customers that can enable me to make a substantial income. I roughly make 600 KES per day. After fueling and remitting a certain percentage to my boss, I remain with 150 KES. This amount is very little to make an impact in the household I belong to.