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?
This coming year, I want to leave this piece of land behind and settle on the new plot, where I plan to build a house and finally call it my own. It’s been a journey getting this far, and I can already imagine how it’ll feel to walk around that land, knowing it’s fully mine. By next year, I hope to have paid the last installment, making that little piece of earth officially mine. It feels like a huge step, but I’m determined to make it happen. To accomplish this, I’ve got a plan. The last transfer I’m set to receive will go directly towards finishing the payment on the plot and starting the build. With that money, I can close the deal on the land and also start construction. I’m relieved to already have some of the materials, especially the iron sheets, which will help things move along more quickly. Bit by bit, with each day and decision, I’m hoping to bring this dream closer, until it’s not just a goal but a reality.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Receiving GiveDirectly’s unconditional money changed my life in ways I hadn't expected. What impressed me the most was their transparency – they didn’t rely on hearsay or favoritism. They had a clear criterion, and everyone who met it was enrolled without discrimination. I felt respected and seen as they conducted thorough assessments, making sure everyone who qualified was included. Everything was well explained and they left no room for speculations. I do not see anything that needs to be changed as the program is just okay as it is.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the unconditional cash transfer, I immediately thought of the small plot of land I’ve been saving for. It's in a much safer area, one that doesn’t flood as often, so I’ve been making payments in small installments whenever I could. From the last transfer, I used $50 to pay towards the land, feeling a bit closer to securing a safer future for my family. Next, I prioritized my daughter’s education. She’s in Form Two, and there were some arrears that had been worrying us. I used $80 from the transfer to clear her school fees, and it was such a relief knowing she could continue her studies without any interruptions. I used $235 to buy 21 iron sheets, which will go towards building a house on that new piece of land. It’s a step towards a new beginning for us. I used the remaining amount to buy household food items. Our cupboards were nearly empty, and I wanted to ensure we had enough food to last us through the difficult period. Now, I feel a little more secure, knowing my family has both food and the hope of a new home.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18240 KES ($141 USD)
access_time 4 months ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was working on a farm at the Perkerra Irrigation Scheme with my colleague when I overheard a conversation about receiving money from GiveDirectly. Curious, I quickly checked my phone and was surprised to find a message indicating that I had received money the previous day. I rarely check my messages, so I hadn't noticed it earlier. I felt a rush of happiness and excitement. I am very appreciative and thankful to GiveDirectly. Knowing that I had no food at home for my children, my first thought was to stock up on groceries for my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
One of the most significant changes in my life since receiving the money is the happiness and relief of being able to harvest my farm. I had been stressed about where I would find the money to do so, and borrowing a loan was not a viable option due to the high interest rates that discourage farmers like me. Thanks to your support, I can proudly say that I have achieved what once seemed impossible.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My sincere appreciation to GiveDirectly for rescuing our lives after being affected by the floods. The floods came unexpectedly, destroying some of our properties, especially my farm. My motorbike, which was outside, was filled with water, rendering some parts nonfunctional. Additionally, I had left my generator at the farm, not anticipating the flooding.I had two maize farms initially. Only one survived because the maize had grown tall enough that the water did not carry them away, while the smaller maize plants on the other farm were swept away by the floods. Despite these challenges, I am very happy because my surviving maize is now ready to be harvested. When I received $180, I saved $140 to use for the harvest. I thank God because this prevented me from needing to take out a loan.I also used $30 to purchase food. Previously, we relied on charcoal burning for cooking, and we stored our harvested crops for future use. With the remaining $30, I paid for school fees. We used to pay little by little from the money we earned by selling charcoal, but since the floods made the ground too muddy for charcoal burning, we had to work on other people's farms to earn basic necessities. Previously, life was very hard for us as small-scale farmers taking care of four kids without employment. Since receiving your cash, I have seen hope for the future, and I believe we will improve our lives. Thank you so much, GiveDirectly. May God bless you abundantly.
Enrolled
access_time 6 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
As a family of four, we depend on farming to earn a living, which requires irrigation and, consequently, fuel. Purchasing fuel is somewhat expensive, costing $20 per week to irrigate my 2 acres of land. Our alternative source of income is charcoal burning, although it is not always reliable. At the moment, my maize farm is doing well but requires a bit more maintenance. When I receive my transfers, I plan to spend $100 on irrigating my maize farm to ensure a successful harvest and produce food for my family. Additionally, I will spend $200 for school fees for my children in grade 12 and pre-primary 1. The rest of the transfers will go towards clearing a debt for the land I had partially purchased in Ilchurai village. Being able to maintain our farm, ensure my children’s education, and settle our debts gives me a renewed sense of hope and relief. The thought of providing for my family without the constant stress of financial uncertainty brings immense joy and peace of mind.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Even without a constant source of income to support my family of four, I am glad they have never lacked food, clothing, or school fees. As a family, we depend on farming for our livelihood, but the recent floods claimed our farm. Our alternative source of income—charcoal burning—was also affected, as the majority of the trees were swept away. The few trees that remain provide just enough income to ensure we have food on the table. Despite these challenges, I am grateful that we have managed to meet our basic needs and keep moving forward.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial constraints are a significant challenge I am currently facing. As a family of four, we depend on maize farming to earn a living. However, this area experiences long dry seasons, necessitating irrigation. Purchasing fuel for irrigation is expensive, and I typically rely on charcoal burning to buy the fuel. Unfortunately, the recent floods that swept through our village, Murda, destroyed many trees, leaving me without any source of income. I am now deeply concerned about our food security. Without a steady income to purchase fuel and maintain our farm, we may face severe food shortages if we do not strive hard to make ends meet.
