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?
My plan is to ensure that I educate my children by focusing more on farming. I want them to have opportunities that I didn’t have, so they won’t have to stay at home like I did. By growing crops and raising livestock, I hope to generate enough income to pay for their school fees. I believe that with a good education, they can build better lives for themselves. Additionally, I want to teach them the value of hard work in farming, so they can appreciate the effort it takes to succeed. My ultimate goal is to see them thrive in their studies and create a brighter future for our family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The officers gave us good advice on how to spend this money wisely, ensuring we used it for positive purposes. They made sure that everyone in our community was enrolled, showing they do not discriminate. I appreciate how they treated us with respect and listened to our needs. There was nothing negative about my experience with the officers; they were helpful and kind. Overall, I am grateful for their support and guidance.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The impact of the cash transfer on my life has been significant, allowing me to make essential improvements to my home and provide for my family. I invested $280 to purchase cement to upgrade my house, as the previous mud floor became unmanageable during flooding. Last time, the water took too long to drain, leaving our home cold and uncomfortable. By replacing the mud floor with cement, I created a more durable and safer living space for my family. Furthermore, I had previously bought a plot of land in a higher area to protect against floods but had not completed the payment. With this cash, I was able to clear the remaining $70 of that bill.With my family's needs in mind, I also set aside $100 for my wife to buy food and clothes for our children. It had been a long time since we could afford to purchase new clothes, and I didn’t want them to feel embarrassed or less fortunate. The joy on their faces when they received the clothes was priceless, and it made me feel proud to provide for them. We’ve always supported each other through farming vegetables and burning charcoal, but the extra money has truly changed our lives.This cash transfer has not only improved our living conditions but also brought hope and stability to our family. My wife and I now feel more empowered to focus on our farming efforts without the constant worry of survival. Life has improved significantly, and I am grateful for the opportunity to invest in our future. With this support, I am confident that we can continue to build a better life for our five children and ourselves.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18240 KES ($142 USD)
access_time 2 months ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was on the farm with my brother, preparing the land. My brother, who is also a GiveDirectly recipient, received his transfer first, and just two minutes later, I received mine too—$180. We were both so happy and felt a great sense of relief. I had been stressed, wondering where I would get money from to address our needs.
The first thought that came to my mind was how I could finally put an end to the threat of floods once and for all. This money gave me hope and the ability to start planning for a solution. I am grateful for the support, which has lifted a huge burden off my shoulders.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference since I started receiving the GiveDirectly transfer has been my ability to buy land. I had already reserved a piece of land but was stressed about paying for it before someone else took it. I was overwhelmed with worry and thoughts, but now, thanks to the support, my mental health has improved. I am happy and deeply grateful to GiveDirectly for allowing me to choose how to address my problems on my own.
With the new land on higher ground, I won’t have to worry about floods anymore. This move will provide my family with a safer place to live, and I am relieved to no longer be anxious about the threat of floods
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving $180 from GiveDirectly, I was so happy and felt like a huge burden had been lifted off my shoulders. I have always wanted to solve the flood threat that keeps affecting us, and I had found a piece of land on safer ground where I could build a home. I used $160 as an installment payment for the land. I plan to finish paying for it soon using the produce from my farm, so my family can have a safer place to live, away from the threat of floods.
I plan to continue farming on our current land, but I will do so after the rainy season, using irrigation to avoid losses from floods. The remaining money was spent on food for my family. I have five kids, and we’ve all benefited greatly from the support of GiveDirectly. We are truly grateful for the help, which has made a big difference in our lives.
Enrolled
access_time 5 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Receiving this cash transfer will be instrumental in rebuilding my life. Initially, I intend to allocate the first installment towards purchasing food for my family, addressing our immediate need. The remainder will go towards covering school fees for my children. Subsequent transfers will enable me to reinvest in agriculture, our primary income source. I am confident that once I harvest my crops, life will improve as I plan to sell them to support my family's education and other essential needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I find my greatest relief in knowing that I successfully protected my livestock and family during the floods. None of my goats were lost, which gives me hope for recovery despite the devastation to my maize farm. These animals will now serve as a crucial source of income to meet my family's basic needs.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Recently, our area was hit hard by floods, which has been devastating for me. The floodwaters destroyed my 2-acre maize farm, and it feels like I've lost all the progress I had made in my life. Financially, I'm unable to replant crops due to the damage. Even attempts at charcoal burning were thwarted by the persistently wet ground. Now, I find myself depending on casual labor on other farms where owners are able to replant.