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 ($417 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Even though I am unsure when the rains will begin, I hope to expand my farming operations and increase food production for my three-person family. Food prices continue to rise as a result of the devastating droughts, and with limited sources of income, it has been difficult to eat all three meals a day. I hope to expand the plantation's land and ensure adequate food production and surplus for sale.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am grateful to GiveDirectly for visiting, enrolling, and providing us with a free cash transfer. Many of those who received funds built new homes because they were living in small huts that needed frequent and costly repairs. Everyone who received the transfer is still delighted and hopes for more generous donations in the future. We wish that the same could be done in other villages so that people who are still impoverished can transform their lives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had one dairy cow when I received the second transfer, but I had to buy milk because it wasn't lactating at the time. I have been dealing with the same problem for a long time and have always considered adding another cow to my field to alternate their breeding seasons. I previously spent $250 on another cow, which I am glad to have on my field right now as an assurance of continuous milk availability throughout all seasons. I also spent $50 on new clothes for my two children, purchased food, and saved the remainder to pay other household bills. I am grateful for GiveDirectly's generous support, which resulted in an immediate transformation and raised our standard of living.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($476 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was early in the morning when I got a notification on my mobile phone. Upon checking what it contained, I noticed that I had received KES 55000 from GiveDirectly as I had been promised. I felt so excited as I knew that my plans would be fulfilled.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I am now happy that I got what I couldn't afford to buy on my own. Right from knapsack sprayer which has enabled me to control parasites on my livestock. Also, I got furniture which has made my house much more comfortable to live in. All these have brought a big difference to my daily life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I do farming as my main source of income and through this activity, I have been able to provide basic needs of my family. Though I have been working hard I wasn't able to acquire all that I needed. When I got my first transfer, I spent part of it on buying a knapsack sprayer for spraying my livestock and crops. I then spent part of it on buying dewormers for deworming my livestock.
We also sat down with my spouse and decided to spend part of it on buying some furniture, clothes, and maize for consumption. The rest, we spent on buying timber for building a new house.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means an improved source of income as a household. We are in the sunset ages of our lives, our bodies getting weak and unable to do any manual jobs. We saw the need to have an additional dairy cow to the one we have to increase milk production. We will be able to consume some and sell the surplus earning some cash to sustain our family. Our projection is to sell 8 liters of milk a day. Out of this, we will sell 6 liters at KES 35 per liter and consume the rest. I feel excited that soon our dreams will materialize through the transfer from Give Directly.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Even though we are getting old and weak, we thank God for keeping us safe and healthy and that is what has brought joy to our lives. We are facing acute economic times which has led to high living standards in our country. Additionally, we are safe from the coronavirus pandemic which has caused havoc in the country.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
A prolonged period of drought has been the biggest challenge we are currently facing. We experience minimal rainfall throughout the year forcing us to solely rely on livestock rearing. We have 8 acres of land under cultivation in which we have grown maize for domestic use. Initially, we used to harvest an average of 20 bags in that piece of land. Unlike today, we hardly harvest 3 bags on that land because of drought and this makes me feel sad as a farmer.
