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 ($493 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different than it would have been if I had never received the transfer in that I have a proper lighting system in my house which enhances the education of my children because they are now doing their homework well. Back in the day, I was using paraffin lamps which is costly because I had to buy paraffin every day. Furthermore, I was able to boost my livestock keeping by purchasing 2 more dairy cows which will increase the milk production hence enough milk supply for the family. Similarly, I will be able to sell the extra milk to earn a living. I also have future savings for my children after putting aside some amount for any emergency.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in coming up with the cash program. Furthermore, the processes of selecting the eligible households were done fairly without any discrimination. I appreciate GiveDirectly staffs for the good work and proper training they conducted in my village.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Being a livestock farmer my wish was to boost my livelihood but I lacked finances to actualize my desire. After getting my transfer I spent $180 to purchase one cow. I also purchased a solar panel for $150 for light my house and for charging phones for my neighbours at fees 0.2 dollar per phone so that I may earn a living. In addition, I used $100 to buy clothes for every member of my family since the did not have enough clothes. I saved the remaining amount for any financial emergency that I may face in my life like sickness.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received an Mpesa message and I was curious to know who might have sent me money that morning. I was not expecting to receive money from anyone. When I read the message, I was amused and excited when I realised I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I thanked them for their kindness.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Owning the cow is the biggest difference in my daily life. Even though I desired to own the cow, I could not afford to buy at my own cost. I am proud to have it as an asset which I can readily rely on in case of a dire financial need. My expectation is that it will reproduce and increase in number. I can readily sell the offspring to cater for my future financial needs like raising fees for my young children.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my first transfer to buy a cow at KES 18000 which I am currently keeping in my homestead. I am expecting it to reproduce and increase in number. I will be getting milk for my family's consumption and also sell the surplus to earn an income. I also paid KES 10000 to clear fee arrears for my children so that they would be allowed to continue with their studies. I also did some shopping on buying new clothes for my family. I spent the remaining amount to buy daily foodstuffs for my family and other household items.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means my desire of owning livestock will come true. I will be able to venture into livestock farming whereby I will use 60,000 Kenya shillings to buy 2 cows and 10 goats. The cows will provide milk which I will sell and get income. The goats will also provide first-hand finance to assist in any of my financial needs. I also intend to expand my one-roomed house into a three-roomed house by using 30,000 Kenya shillings to expand the house so that it can be spacious enough for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day because this is the time I return home from my farm. Farming is tiresome because it involves a lot of physical work. I take this time to relax and chat with my children after a busy day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My daughter was involved in a road accident early this year(2020) whereby she broke her hand. It forced her to be admitted to our district hospital for three months. At that time our financial condition was very difficult .The hospital bill accumulated forcing her to spend an extra month in hospital while I was searching for money to clear the bill. I tried to raise money from relatives and friends but I did not manage to raise enough. In the end, the doctors agreed to release us and pay back later.I have not cleared the bill to date. This financial problem is therefore the biggest hardship in my life.
