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 upcoming year, my goal is to lease a 4-acre piece of land along Lake Baringo. I intend to sow maize on this land, not only to generate income but also to provide food security for my family of eleven. The advantage of this location is that I can utilize irrigation methods to ensure consistent crop growth, despite the challenges posed by adverse climatic changes. To kickstart this venture, I estimate that I will need a capital investment of $2000. I plan to allocate the profits from our current farming activities towards this new endeavor. By reinvesting in our agricultural efforts, I aim to create a sustainable source of income and food production for my family. Leasing this land presents an opportunity for expansion and diversification, which is crucial for our long-term financial stability. I am optimistic about the potential of this new venture and remain committed to maximizing its success for the benefit of my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly's approach of providing unconditional cash transfers has proven to be effective in uplifting the poor. By giving recipients the autonomy to decide how to utilize the funds, they can address their most pressing needs and priorities. For example, families can use the cash to ensure their children's education by paying for school fees or purchasing school supplies. Additionally, they can use the funds to acquire food, improving their nutrition and overall well-being. At the moment, GiveDirectly's approach seems to be working well, as it empowers recipients and allows them to make informed decisions about their own lives. As long as the organization continues to monitor its impact and adapt to the evolving needs of the communities it serves, there may not be a need for significant changes to its approach.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my transfers, I made sure to prioritize my family's needs. With $50, I bought a goat as an investment for my family. I spent the remaining amount on my children's school fees and requirements for their education. As a family of eleven depending on farming for our livelihood, we often face challenges due to adverse climatic changes, especially with unpredictable seasonal rains leading to losses. The transfers have been a blessing during these tough times, providing needed financial cushion. Thanks to this support, my children have been able to continue their education, which is incredibly important to me. Additionally, we have been able to acquire an asset, which adds to our long-term stability. Despite the challenges, I am grateful for the assistance we have received and remain determined to make the most of it. We are continuously looking for ways to adapt to the changing climate and diversify our income sources beyond farming. Our resilience and resourcefulness will continue to guide us through these difficulties, and I am hopeful for a brighter future for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($118 USD)
access_time 5 months ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
9.04, ntuko enkaji atishepe, with my neightbour, kusaidia kijana kujenga nyumba
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My kids can now, furahi because I did not have a house
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
nyumba, nilikua na nyumba ya watoto na ilikua kidogo nilikua na mabati sita na nikaongeza tano, it was very bad house, kiangasi, watapata mahali pa kulala na mvua, leaking na more beds can now get
Enrolled
access_time 6 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have so many good plans for the cash transfers which I believe will transform my life a lot. For the first cash transfers I intend to spend $180 of the transfers to renovate and improve my house. Since I have 14 family members, I intend to renovate an extra room and purchase beddings. For the second cash transfers, I intend to purchase a generator and a gas cylinder. I intend to use about $450 of the transfers on this. This will enable me to do irrigation farming in our farms since we depend mostly on irrigation due to instances of drought in our village. For the third transfers I intend to purchase a water tank which would cost me about $350 of the transfers. This will ensure that we have water in our home and we won't have to purchase water or use unclean water. With this transfers, I believe my life will be transformed positively.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiness always comes from seeing my family well. Over the past 6 months, we have to had to seek medical assistance for any of our family members. I'm grateful and happy because of this.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Our biggest challenge is a lack of money. This has been contributed largely by a lack of constant source of money. We depend mostly on casual work to provide for our family which is very challenging since we are unable to pay for school fees and also meet our family's basic needs. This brings a lot of stress for me, especially when my children are sent home for school fees. It saddens me seeing my children are at home because I don't have the ability to send them back due to lack of money.
