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 ($518 USD)
access_time over 4 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 from how it would have been had I never received the transfer because I now have access to clean water. I use the tank that I bought using the transfer to harvest rainwater and use it for domestic purposes. Due to this, I no longer go to the river to fetch water for use.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well by uplifting our living standards in different ways and I do not see anything that they did not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
When I received my second transfer, I spent some amount to buy three sheep. This are assets to me that I can rely on in case of financial challenges. I still have KES 40000 that I have saved. I am planning to use it to buy a dairy cow when its price reduces and save some so that I can use in case of an emergency.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($541 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
We rely on water pans as the main source of water for drinking and other domestic use in our community. This poses a serious health risk as this water is shared with livestock and the area is characterized by poor sanitation. My concerns about the health of my family led to a decision to use my transfers to provide safe drinking water for my family. I spent part of my transfer to buy a water tank to be able to harvest rainwater. My wish to own a water tank was long overdue as I had to prioritize my children's education and household needs. I am happy and thankful to GiveDirectly for restoring our family pride and dignity.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was still early in the morning when we still sleeping when I received a message alert on my phone. Since I have never received a message at such an hour before, I woke up my granddaughter and requested her to check and read its contents. I became so happy when she happily informed me that GiveDirectly had finally sent us some money.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I used part of my transfer to buy a water tank worth KES 13000 to use in harvesting rainwater. This enables my family to have clean water at our doorstep. As a way of improving my home, I bought three three-seater seats and seat cushions. I used KES 6000 to pay for my NHIF monthly premiums so that I would not have to be paying for it for the next twelve months. I bought three goats to rear in my homestead. I decided on this so that when they reproduce, I will be selling some in case of a financial crisis. I used the remaining amount to buy one sack of maize and saved some to cater for our daily expenses.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that I will be able to buy a cow to add to the one I have.Culturally,cows are a means of storing wealth and I know that when I buy one using this money,it means that I am ensuring that the money multiplies which will further help me in future considering that I am old and cannot do most farmwork.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening.This is the time that my young grand children are back from school and I get to spend time with them.This makes the home more lively
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Due to old age,am no longer able to do most work in the farm.I was also diagnosed with hypertension and put on medication.I therefore rely solely on milk proceeds from my cow.There are times when I cannot milk and during this time,it becomes very difficult even to put food on the table let alone have money to purchase medicine.
