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?
My objective is to grow short-term crops like green grams for both domestic and commercial use because we can water our farms. I want to take advantage of the drought's increased demand for these grains in order to increase my revenues. The money from that will enable me to take care of other home expenses and have enough to invest back into the farm to expand activities.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well in all their operations. The enrollment team was well organized and everything ran smoothly. I do not see anything that I was not pleased with.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Due to their ability to thrive in the arid, rocky terrain, goats are a source of livelihood for us in this area. The money we make from selling these goats allows us to meet all of our needs, including our food needs. So, I decided to add five goats to my flock worth$250 from my second transferfrom Givedirectly because I knew they would be useful if and when the need ever arose. Along with that, I also purchased a mattress for $86 and used the remaining money to buy food and other supplies for the residence.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($134 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt so happy the moment I received money from GiveDirectly. It was around 3:00 pm that day when I heard my phone ring and upon checking 8 confirmed that indeed I had received some money from GiveDirectly. We had been informed that we were going to receive the money around that time and so it did not come as a surprise to me. I felt happy that I was finally going to be able to accomplish things that I had set out to achieve.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the dignity that has come with. I had no one that I could run to for help such as repairing my house and I am afraid I would have lost hope had it not been for GiveDirectly. I am extremely grateful that this transfer came in handy to help me out at my hour of need. I never imagined that I would one day sit down and make serious plans about my future like I am doing right now. For the next transfer I intend to start goat keeping since this is one of the main activities that we rely on here at home. I also intend to buy food that will take me a couple of days before I can fully be independent and taking care of my own goats.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my transfer of $180, I used the entire amount to repair my house fully and to buy food for the family. The house that I was living in had been destroyed by termites. It was just a matter of time before it was down or swept by strong winds. I had all along wanted to repair this house but the little income that I made from engaging in odd casual jobs was hardly enough to make ends meet. This coupled with the fact that I am single made it very difficult for me to achieve any of my goals. Today, I am extremely grateful to GiveDirectly that it removed shame that would have come my way had my house been swept by strong winds. I feel I am living a note dignified life now courtesy of GiveDirectly transfers.
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Since my current home is in poor condition, I intend to construct a new one for my mother and myself. I've used stones to hold the roof in place because it lacks nails, which is risky because it could fall on me. I don't feel safe living in this house because I worry that I might get hit by the wind. Of the transfers, I want to spend around $200 on the house. With $100, I want to hire a farm, and with the remaining money, I want to get some goats for myself. This will give me a future investment in addition to giving me food. I feel that because I'm getting older, I won't be able to do casual work and therefore, I'll sell the goats and buy basic needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Even though I don't have food and sometimes I don't have money, I have had my happy moments in the past six months. My mother came and lived with me and because of this I got some company. I was also able to get casual work which enabled me to buy food for both of us and I felt really happy whenever we have two full meals.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
This village of ours as you can see is very dry, it has been three years since we got enough rains. As a result, there is a water shortage and no crops can be planted. I last planted crops three years ago. There are irrigation plots in our village, but they require hiring, and I don't have any money for that. I sometimes go without meals because I only occasionally make $3 in casual labor, which is insufficient to pay for food for both my mother and me. I feel bad for having to go without food because I don't have anything to prepare. Since I need money for food and there is occasional casual work for me to do, I am faced with a challenge that I cannot overcome..
