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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
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 my transfer in that I was able to own dairy cows and I look forward for a more brighter future when I will be able to get enough milk for my family and sell the extra to my neighbours to earn a living. In addition, I will be able to sell the male offspring in order to educate my children.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly enrollment process was done well. I thank God the transfer has uplifted my living standard because I was able to own livestock and build house for my children. Everything was well with this program.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $380 of my transfer on acquire two cows. This has been my ambition for a long time but did not know where to get money fulfil it. I have also been a herdsman for sometime now looking after my neighbour's livestock so I have enough experience in livestock rearing. Still, I build a house for my children this is because they are grown up and I was still living with them in the same house. Finally, I bought beddings and clothes for my children.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($496 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I heard my phone ringing and when I reached for it to read the message, I was greatly amused when I realized it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. They had sent my first transfer. I was full of joy when I thought of how this money would transform my whole life.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Owning the heifers makes the biggest difference in my daily life. I am expecting that these heifers will reproduce and increase in number. Through them, I will be getting milk to sell and also for my family's consumption. Additionally, they are a saving for the future of my children's education. I will sell the offspring to raise fees for my children who are still young.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 36000 of my first transfer on buying two heifers. Its been my desire to own these livestock because as they reproduce and increase in number, I know I have some assets to rely on in case of a financial need. I am also in the process of building a house for my children. I bought 18 pieces of iron sheets, nails and building poles to facilitate this.They were seeking shelter from neighbours at night. I am at peace now seeing them having there own house to shelter. I also bought a mattress and replaced the old and worn out beddings I have been using.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
When I receive this money I have a plan of buying two cows. From this cows I will be able to sell milk and when they multiply I will sell to get more income. This will cost me 300 USD. I also want to build a small house for my 13 year old son. He is now grown and he does not have his own room. This will cost me approximately 170 USD.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning. Morning gives me hope for the day since I usually have many hours to make things right by the end of the day. Coming back home in the evening with food for my children marks a successful day for me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Getting food for my children has been my biggest hardship. I have 7 children and bringing them up has been a major challenge due to lack of food. Farming has not been working out well due to lack of rains. This has forced me to do other jobs such as selling charcoal. It earns very little and I can never be assured of getting the market.
