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 ($501 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?
The biggest difference in my life that came about because of the transfers is that farm improvement. I spent the money on building a store for keeping cattle feeds. I can now preserve feeds for a long time especially during this time of plenty. I have collected maize stalks and hay for use in the future. This time round I will not lose them to termites or dampness. I am happy that my dairy production will remain high in all seasons because I will be having stored feeds.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did so well that they equalized all peoples in the village. Currently, everyone in the village has a dairy cow that they bought using the transfer. This has now empowered everyone as they get milk for daily consumption and for sale hence they get an income.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent the money I received on building a store for cattle feeds. Before this, I used to lose cattle feeds to whether conditions such sd train and too, termites and too much sun. I then bought a heifer. the paid school fees for my children in secondary schools. I finally bought food for the household.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($535 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I believe that for one to be successful in life, he/she must have gone through school. Due to this, my children's education has always been my priority and I always do anything possible to make sure that I pay their school fees on time. I received my first transfer at a time when they had been sent back home to collect the arrears I was still owing the school. Being able to clear these arrears using my transfers is the biggest difference in my daily life because they were able to sit for their end year examinations and they will be moving to their next grade next year.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 4 am when I received a message alert on my phone. Since I was awake, I decided to read it and know its contents. I became so happy after realizing that GiveDirectly had sent us the promised money. I knew that my children would be able to resume their classes.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
When I received my first transfer, I used KES 20000 to pay school fees for my children who had been sent back home. Also, I bought a heifer worth KES 25000 as a way of expanding my dairy keeping project. When it reproduces, I will be able to sell milk to earn an income. I will be using this money to pay for my children's education. I used the remaining amount to buy some clothes and foodstuffs for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have children in the university and secondary school. Receiving this money will immensely ease the burden of having to worry about getting school fees paid. The entire first transfer is going to fully cater for my children's education next semester, especially my first born in university.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Everyday I have to juggle between weeding vegetables in my farm to feeding livestock and doing household chores. I would find time in the evening to plan the following day's activities. This is also a time to revitalize after a busy day which makes me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
For so many years my community has been stricken by low productivity in farms especially maize farming. Drought and soil borne diseases have been established as major causes. When this happen, majority of farmers sleep hungry and children drop out of school to give their parents a hand in doing casual labour for income.
