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 ($423 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have a lot of hopes and aspirations to achieve and pray to God that all shall go well. I intend to start a business of buying and selling second-hand clothes. Currently, I deal in groceries but their returns are small and meager compared to the former. I am so optimistic that I will realize high returns to improve our living standards and afford a decent life that we so yearns for.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Their training is good, at first, we had reservations and unclear information about their program but when they came they explained to us everything in detail until we understood. I pray for GiveDirectly to continue supporting us and to continue with the same spirit in reaching out to the poor and possibly reduce the time that one take waiting to receive the transfers. Needs are so many and they do not wait, it needs to be met almost immediately. This way the impact will be instant.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My maize farm was unfenced and I have been having trouble with neighbours livestock grazing on my crops. So bad was the situation that at some point about half acre of maize plantation was grazed by the livestock and it exposed me to food insecurity and abject poverty. It is against this backdrop that I decided to purchase a barbed wire and did fencing all round my farm. I am glad that my maize farm will not be interfered with anymore and conflicts with the neighbours won't arise again.I also used part of the transfers to purchase a water tank.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($466 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my transfer, I can recall that I was at the shopping centre where I sell groceries. I heard my phone ringing. Upon checking, that was when I realised that I had received money from GiveDirectly. Words cannot describe the immense joy that I felt, the news was refreshing to my ears. This is because I knew that I would be able to accomplish my goals in a short period. This was a dream come true thus I am forever grateful for the support that empowered us financially.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life today is that I was able to purchase a dairy cow with the unconditional transfer. Secondly, I was able to purchase iron sheets that I am positive would aid in constructing a house once I receive my transfer. I was unable to realise this goal due to financial constraints, and I am now able to save up money that I used to spend on milk daily. I am contented that I was able to achieve my dream in a short period. I am grateful for the support that uplifted our lives amazingly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving money from GiveDirectly was the best opportunity for me to develop myself, I thought of buying a dairy cow to cut down on the cost of buying milk daily. I am a local businesswoman and a farmer, and my income is not enough for me to be able to purchase a cow. Therefore, I used KES 40,000 in purchasing two dairy cows. I then used the remaining amount of KES 10,000 in buying iron sheets. This is because I am hopeful that with my second transfer, I would be able to construct a house with it. I am so grateful for the milestones that I have achieved in a short time.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
We have been having plans of purchasing a dairy cow to add to the one we have. We have only one cow which gives us milk, but sometimes it produces too little or no milk at all, such that we are forced to purchase milk from the market. This strains us a lot as we are a large family of eight, and we also have other needs to meet like school fees. All these needs depend on the unreliable casual jobs that we both do. We plan to use KES 30,000 to purchase a dairy cow. Receiving this money, therefore, a better living conditions for us. For the rest of the amount, we will fence off the farm and paddock it.
What is the happiest part of your day?
About three months, my husband got so money from his casual jobs that enabled us to comfortably pay school fees for our children. It is always a struggle meeting daily needs, but when we get to meet and even go beyond, it makes us really happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Being casual workers, these jobs are very unreliable. The much we both get KES 500 per day goes to food and other basic needs. We hardly remain with extra money to invest elsewhere. Three of our children are in school which is also a challenge paying school fees.
