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?
As a dairy farmer, I've already achieved one of my goals by constructing a dairy unit. It's been a lot of hard work, but I'm proud of what I've accomplished so far. Currently, I have two dairy cows, but my aim is to buy one more. To raise the necessary funds for this purchase, we've organized a "merry-go-round" savings group in our village. Every fortnight, we all contribute $5 to the group. This collective effort has been instrumental in helping me save up for the additional cow. Once I acquire that third dairy cow, I plan to sell milk to not only sustain my dairy farming operation but also cover various other household needs. I see it as a significant step towards the financial security of my family and a brighter future for us all. I'm excited to see these plans come to fruition in the year ahead.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
One of the things they've done exceptionally well is providing a satisfying assurance that the money will indeed arrive. This assurance not only eases our worries but also allows us to plan and allocate the funds effectively, ensuring that they are used to address our most pressing needs. What's even more remarkable is how GiveDirectly's program has fostered unity in our community. Since everyone is receiving the money without discrimination, it has enabled us to form savings groups, encouraging cooperation and financial empowerment among us.Honestly, I wouldn't change a thing about this program; it's a testament to the impact that direct, unconditional support can have on the lives of those who need it most.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have a few grandsons who stay with me, and the house they use when they come over was in pretty bad shape. It was a small, dilapidated structure that needed some serious work. I decided to buy some timber. I had always wanted to build a new wooden house for my grandsons, a place where they could feel safe and comfortable. I'd already purchased the iron sheets in anticipation of this project, so with the cash transfer, I was able to get the wood I needed. All my children are out of school now, and my youngest son just finished college. As a dairy farmer, life can be quite challenging, and my wife is also a farmer, working tirelessly to support our family. So, these cash transfers were a blessing, allowing us to improve our home and create a better living environment for our grandchildren.
64th Payment
Transfer Amount
2950 KES ($21 USD)
access_time 7 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the next one year and beyond, my focus shall be to improve on my dairy farming activities. Currently I own three dairy cows that are of a lower breed than those that I am envisioning. My goal is to see to it that these three dairy cows are gradually improved by applying artificial insemination to get better breeds that will bring better production and better returns for my family. This will make my life and that of my family better in the long run.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion GiveDirectly does very well by giving equal amounts of money monthly and doing so without fail. We have been able to accomplish a lot through merry go round contribution schemes that we established and we are so grateful for this as well. I only feel that GiveDirectly can be more consistent in sending money each month and without fail. This is because we have made some commitments with it which we are always dependent on the money to meet such needs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The GiveDirectly transfers that I have been receiving have made it possible for me to accomplish most of the things that I would not have accomplished had I not received the transfers. The most recent transfer of $29 was used to pay casuals that worked on my farm and also to repair a dairy unit that I own. I used $20 to repair my dairy unit and another $10 to prepare my piece of land. Without this transfer then I would have only relied on proceeds from my dairy or support from my children who are engaged elsewhere. I am so happy and grateful that with GiveDirectly transfers, I have been able to accomplish a lot more than I would have done without it. I look forward to seeing my dairy unit improve and a general change in my living standards and that of my family as well.
60th Payment
Transfer Amount
2950 KES ($24 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the next one year and beyond, my plan is to be able to raise enough money to start the construction of a dairy unit in my home. I have already started putting up the structure after receiving support from both my children and GiveDirectly transfers. Completing this dairy unit shall see me advance my dairy keeping and result in higher milk production in the long run. I am so grateful to GiveDirectly for without it, I would not be having such plans.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion GiveDirectly does very well by giving the support each month and doing so in a consistent manner. Increasing the amount that we receive each month from $22 to now $29 was equally very thoughtful of them. This allowed me and others within and outside my village to think of other meaningful projects that we could do with the transfer. I no longer have to keep borrowing some money from my children something that I am so grateful for. I look forward to achieving much more with GiveDirectly transfers in the days to come. I do not however find anything wrong with how GiveDirectly conducts itself and I can only recommend that they keep doing the good work they are doing.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my most recent transfer of $29, I used $10 to make my monthly merry go round contribution and another $19 to buy food and other basic household needs for my family. This money has always been very helpful to me and my family especially during this time when we did not have enough harvest from our farms. It has saved me from the shame of having to rely on my children for such kind of support while I know that they have their own needs as well. We grouped ourselves in merry go round organisation or groups in an effort to make sure that we save enough money and be able to do bigger projects. This has been working very well for us all in the village and personally I was able to build a better house with the help of these transfers. We organized ourselves into groups in order to enjoy the benefits of being in a group as advised by government officials and other community leaders.
56th Payment
Transfer Amount
2950 KES ($24 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am hoping that I will have completed building the zero grazing unit. I will also sell some trees in order to buy another cow to add to the two that I currently have. With the cows, I can sell the milk in order to have income of my own so that I do not have to ask for money from my children in order to buy food.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did well ensuring that everyone in the village has money. If you were to replicate this program, add more money to people because the cost of living has gone up.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have two cows on semi zero grazing and the transfers have been helping me expand the unit. I have been using the money to buy materials to build the unit. Zero grazing works better where I stay because the land is too small for free range grazing. The little piece of land I had is where I have planted the napier grass for my cows.
52nd Payment
Transfer Amount
2950 KES ($25 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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The recipient was not asked any questions as part of this follow up.
48th Payment
Transfer Amount
2950 KES ($26 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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The recipient was not asked any questions as part of this follow up.
44th Payment
Transfer Amount
2950 KES ($26 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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The recipient was not asked any questions as part of this follow up.
40th Payment
Transfer Amount
2950 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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The recipient was not asked any questions as part of this follow up.
36th Payment
Transfer Amount
2950 KES ($27 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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The recipient was not asked any questions as part of this follow up.
32nd Payment
Transfer Amount
2280 KES ($21 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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The recipient was not asked any questions as part of this follow up.