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
55000 KES ($539 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
For the first time now I will be using my own two pairs of oxen in my farming. I was always depending on my neighbours oxen, and paying for their services. I would not have managed to buy any at my own cost. I am grateful as a beneficiary of this organisation because I am assured of utilising my whole acreage for better yields.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has done well in ensuring that our living standards are improved. What we couldn't fulfill at our own cost like building decent and iron roofed houses, owning livestock and educating our children was made achievable through the transfers. I do not see anything that GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent part of my second transfer to buy a pair of oxen to help me in farming. Previously, I used to hire the services at a fee. I would pay dearly for my acreage to be ploughed. I am expecting my farming practice to change as I will be able to plough my whole acreage on time. Apart from the oxen, I also paid school fees for my children KES 7000 for them to continue with their studies without any interruptions. I spent the remaining amount to buy foodstuffs since providing for the family was a big challenge to us. I don't have a stable income thus the coming of GiveDirectly has greatly helped me to effectively meet the basic needs with easy.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($546 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
When I look back and think of the life I was living before, I see great improvement. GiveDirectly has uplifted my living standard through the transfer. I now have a pair of oxen that will enable me to sustain myself by increasing food production through cultivating bigger acreage of land. Owning this pair is the biggest difference in my daily life.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was woken up by a message on my phone early in the morning. On checking to confirm, it was from GiveDirectly informing me that I had received my first transfer. I was very happy to receive the money. It was something I never expected in my life. I was happy that finally, GiveDirectly had fulfilled their promise.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer on purchasing a pair of oxen to aid me in my farming. I have been hiring from neighbours for a very long time. However, the cost of hiring was expensive for me, especially when cultivating a larger piece of land. I, therefore, decided to get my own pair. To me, this was the best achievement because I no longer spend money to hire oxen instead I use them to plough other peoples land and earn some money. Currently, I am rearing them, giving them the maximum care so that they will effectively work on my farm. Through them, I will increase the acreage of cultivating my arable land. Also, In future, I will sell them when they are old hence earning me more money. Apart from that I also bought uniforms for my children and replaced the old ones because they had worn out. I also used a small portion to pay for school fees for my children. My husband developed an eye problem, therefore, the transfers came in handy since we could comfortably pay for his medical expenses and check up. I spent the rest of the money to buy food for the family.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My greatest ambition is to educate my six children up to tertiary level. This is because education is the key to success and I want them to have a bright future, unlike myself who never went to school. Quality education will enable them to acquire good jobs thus lifting the family out of poverty. Therefore, I will use my first transfer to purchase goats which I will rear and sell them in future to finance their education. This is because, goats are drought resistant and they multiply within a short period. I will use the second transfer to purchase two dairy cows. This will mean a constant milk supply in my village and the nearest trading centres such as Bamba and Guruguru. Selling milk will enable me to have a stable source of income and I will be able to feed and cloth my children. I will also save extra money to build a permanent house in future.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Since I lost my two children, life has never been the same. It stresses me a lot and most of the times I cry about it, especially when I am alone. This happens mostly in the morning and in the evening. However, in the afternoon when I am chatting with my neighbours I get relieved. This is because we crack many jokes that drift my mind away from my worries. This reduces my stress thus making afternoon the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Burning charcoal and cutting firewood is my main source of livelihood. However, this very difficult to sustain my family because I earn very little from it. Apart from the low income, it also illegal to engage in these activities but I have to do them in order to fend for my children. My husband who sells water in Mombasa , supports me with only 500 shillings a month and this is also not enough. In most cases we are forced to go without food and I get traumatized seeing my children starving. I am also unable to respond to medical emergencies and educational needs for my children. Therefore, I consider financial constraint as my biggest hardship.
