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 ($493 USD)
access_time over 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 never received the transfer in that I was able to start livestock rearing with the transfer by purchasing 18goats an investment which I will be relying on for the remaining part of my life. In addition, I am now a landowner after purchasing 6 acres piece of land for $160 with my first transfer. Previously, the place that I had constructed my home and farming we had lease from our neighbours. Also, I own proper beddings for the family since the bed I had been using earlier was broken.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well for helping the poor households in the society. Furthermore, I thank the staffs for maintaining professionalism and for giving us proper trainings before they send the transfer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had desired to own proper beddings in my life since the bed I had was broken and I use to sleep on the floor with old rags. I was constantly feeling back pains. I prioritized the purchase of a bed and mattress by spending $180 of the transfer. In addition, the remaining amount assisted me in boosting my goat rearing activity by purchasing 6 goats. This is because I had started it with my first transfer and I plan was to make it sustainable.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($494 USD)
access_time almost 4 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was exactly 7 am when I heard a message notification from my mobile phone. I decided to check who could be. On checking, I realized it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. My first transfer had been sent finally. I felt so happy and started celebrating with my family. It was such a joyous moment for me and my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am now hopeful because financial support from GD has empowered me to own some goats that I am currently rearing in my homestead. From the goats, I am assured of achieving a lot from them. I settled on buying them because first, they take a shorter time to mature to add on that they reproduce mostly twice a year. I am hopeful they will make me wealthier within a short period of time. When they multiply, my plan is to exchange the offsprings for a pair of oxen which will help me in my farming activities in the near future. This will be of great relief because I will no longer have to hire people to plough my farm. Also, I will be hiring the oxen to my neighbors and earn a living which will enable me to meet my family's needs with ease.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some new beddings which include new mattresses. These were to replace the mats that I have been using as beddings for quite a long time. Also, I bought six goats whereby they will serve as the living assets that I will depend on in case of any financial difficulties. With the remaining mont of money, I ma am using it in buying foodstuffs for my family. We can now take at least two meals in a day unlike before whereby we used to a single meal or go withou
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
For many years I have been herding other people's cattle. Receiving this money will help me own my own livestock. I will start with 20 goats. With each goat costing 30 USD, it will cost me 600 USD. This will serve as a good source of income in years to come.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Except for the weekends when my children are around,my day involves grazing cattle from 8am to 4 pm. The scorching sun and skipping lunch makes me very tired at the end of the day. I therefore enjoy my evenings when I have time to relax and at least eat some food.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in this life is scarcity of food and water for domestic use. With my age ,it is becoming more and more difficult since I do not have enough energy to do most of this activities. We have to walk several kilometres to get water. Lack of rains is what has led to scarcity of food.
