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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be updated on Josephine's next check-in.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($347 USD)
access_time 4 days ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My next goal is to complete building a proper house for my family. Currently, we live in a traditional manyatta house, which is not spacious or comfortable enough for my family’s needs. I am determined to move us into a modern house that provides better living conditions and enough space for everyone.
I plan to use the next transfer from GiveDirectly to finish the construction of this house. Achieving this goal will bring us privacy, comfort, and a sense of stability. Providing my family with a better home fills me with happiness and satisfaction. It gives me hope for a brighter future and motivates me to keep working towards improving our lives.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am very happy that I was eligible and enrolled for the GiveDirectly support. Their assistance has made a significant difference in my life.
What truly stood out for me is the respectful nature of the GiveDirectly officers. They interact with people in a kind and professional manner, which makes the experience even more positive.
I have no recommendations for changes to the current program, as it is already working so well. I am grateful for their support and the way they treat recipients with dignity and care.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I was overjoyed to receive $450 from GiveDirectly, and I am deeply grateful for their support. I used $350 of the transfer to buy iron sheets because I am planning to build a new house. Currently, my family of five children and I live in a traditional manyatta house, which is not sufficient for our needs. I hope to complete the construction with the help of the next transfer from GiveDirectly.
With the remaining $100, I leased a piece of land for maize farming. Previously, I lacked the capital to start farming, but now I have the means to pursue this goal. This farming will help ensure my household is food secure, and any surplus can be sold to generate income.
I am thankful for this opportunity, as it has given me the means to improve both my living conditions and my family’s future.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($155 USD)
access_time 2 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 3pm, and I was outside doing laundry when the money arrived. My phone was inside the house, so I didn't check it right away. After finishing my washing, I went back inside and saw the notification on my phone—it was the money! I felt a wave of happiness and relief wash over me. Instantly, my mind started racing with plans. I had always wanted to own more livestock, and now, with this money, I knew I could finally buy cows and sheep. It felt like a dream come true, and I was so grateful for the opportunity.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before receiving the cash transfer, I had no money to start livestock farming, and I felt hopeless after closing my business. I struggled to provide for my family and had to depend on my husband's irregular income. However, after getting the transfer, everything changed for the better. I was able to buy a cow and a sheep, making my dream of farming come true. Now I have a source of income and food for my family, which has reduced my stress. I am very grateful to GiveDirectly for this opportunity that has opened a new door in my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving this money felt like a turning point for my family. I decided to buy one cow for $135 and one sheep for $65. This choice was about more than just having animals; it was an investment in our future. Livestock can multiply, providing us with milk and security. I used to spend $1 every day on a liter of milk from the local shop, which was expensive for us. What impresses me most is that my sheep has already given birth, and I can now get half a liter of milk a day. This has already reduced my expenses for purchasing milk, and I thank GiveDirectly for their support. I see these animals as a form of savings that will grow over time, and I hope they will help us meet our needs.Life was tough before this change. I have five children, and my husband works casual jobs as a road surveyor, earning around $400 a month. Although he tries his best, it’s hard to support a large family with an irregular income. I used to have a small business, but when I became pregnant and gave birth to my youngest child, I had to close it. I was too tired to continue working, so we started relying solely on my husband's income, which made things even more challenging.This cash transfer gave me the opportunity to think about long-term solutions. Buying livestock not only relieved the pressure of buying milk every day but also provided a way to secure our future. I feel hopeful now, knowing we won't have to rely solely on my husband's income anymore. With the cow and sheep, I feel more confident about taking care of my children and eventually reopening my business when the time is right.
Enrolled
access_time 4 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Receiving the cash transfers from Give Directly means so much to me and my family. This is because it will assist me in changing and improving my life positively. Currently I'm living in a small grass that I live with my husband and five children. With the small house, there is no privacy and sometimes we have to look for a place in my neighbours house so our children can sleep. I plan to use KES 90000 of the cash transfers to build a two bedroom iron sheet house. I also plan to use KES 20000 of the cash transfers to purchase household products such as furniture, utensils and food. I believe with the plans I have, I will transform my life significantly. I'm always happy and grateful for Givedirectly's consideration to enroll us into this cash program.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the past 6 months my happiness has come from the blessing I received through my new born son, Joshua. I'm so delighted having delivered safely and with my baby healthy. I'm happy and grateful to God for his blessings on us.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Currently, I'm facing a lot of challenges including lack of money and the effects from the recent floods that riced our village. Since I depend on casual labor which is not consistent it has been very difficult for me to provide for my family. This has been made more challenging by the recent floods which destroyed our maize farm leaving us hopeless about the future. We had invested all our money on the farm with the hope of getting food and also money from the sale of the crops. However, we are left not knowing what the future will bring since we don't have enough money to replant the maize.