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?
This year and in the coming years, I want to focus on farming. I have worked on farms before as a laborer, so I have gained valuable experience. However, I didn’t have the capital to start my own farm. Now that I have the capital, I plan to grow tomatoes, which will help me grow my cattle and pay school fees for my children. I am very grateful to GiveDirectly for their support, which has allowed me to dream again.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has truly transformed my life with their unconditional cash transfers. One thing that stands out for me is that they do not ask for bribes, and they always follow up to ensure everything is going well. Their honesty and dedication have been remarkable. However, I would love to see GiveDirectly continue providing more cash support, even after the final transfers. It would help us further improve our lives and tackle ongoing challenges.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving $450 from GiveDirectly, I had several pressing needs to address. I used $200 to pay school fees for two of my children. It had been difficult to come up with the fees, and this assistance really helped me take care of that. Now, I can focus on other priorities. Another urgent issue was food for my family. I have a large family with nine kids, so I spent $100 on food. Now, we have enough to eat, and it has greatly improved our family life. Everyone is happy and energetic. I also used $100 to buy two goats as a long-term investment. As the goats multiply, they will help us handle emergencies without fear. The remaining amount went towards buying clothes for my kids, and they are happy and grateful.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($157 USD)
access_time 5 months ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was having lunch at home after returning from my farm when I received my first transfer. I received a confirmation of receipt of $200, and I couldn't contain my excitement. Meanwhile, my wife was busy with her charcoal production activities in our compound. I called her over, showed her the message, and we both shared a moment of joy. Immediately, we contacted the water delivery company to refill our tank, as we were facing a water crisis. Thank you GiveDirectly for your support.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I buy and sell cows weekly to support my family, earning up to $18 each time. However, this income is insufficient to meet all our needs, including water. Before receiving GiveDirectly's support, my wife had to walk 5 kilometers to fetch water, which was incredibly challenging. Additionally, food scarcity was a constant issue, and there were times when we had to skip meals, despite having children. The impact of GiveDirectly's assistance has been profound; we now have our 5000-liter tank filled with water, and we have enough food to sustain ourselves. Life has improved for us, and we are grateful to GiveDirectly for their support.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Water has always been a challenge in our area, requiring us to buy it or travel 5 kilometers to fetch it. We were already out of supply, and my wife had to go this far. With my work of buying and selling cows, I couldn't afford much; my spending was limited to school fees, food, and other pressing needs. Upon receiving my first transfer, we immediately refilled our 5000-liter water tank for $25. With six school-going children, including one in high school with arrears of $28, I used $30 to clear his debt and allocated $45 among my primary school children. To sustain my family of 10, I engage in buying and selling cows. Adding four chairs for $33 improved our seating situation, accommodating both family members and guests. Additionally, I purchased essential food items: one bag of maize for $35, beans for $5, and sugar for $8, ensuring we have enough to eat. The remaining $30 went towards buying new clothes for everyone, replacing worn-out that we had, and improving our daily lives.
Enrolled
access_time 6 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Being a livestock keeper, seeing my herd grow makes me happy because it signifies some financial freedom and wealth. I am grateful that my children have been able to go to school through the sale of our goats. Although the herd has reduced in numbers, I am thankful it has helped bridge the financial gap for school fees payments. When I receive my transfers, I plan on paying $390 in school fees for my children in grade 9 and primary school, allowing me to pause selling my goats. I will also spend the rest of the transfers on food and clothing for the household. This support will ease our financial burden and ensure my children continue their education without interruptions.
What is the happiest part of your day?
With a family of 11, we often depend on livestock rearing to earn a living. Our livestock, especially the goats, have been crucial in paying for my children's school fees, easing our financial struggles during times of need. I was excited three months ago when three of my goats each gave birth to twins. This was a significant boost to the family's wealth, as it added to our stock and will provide financial support once they grow. Knowing that these new additions will help secure our family's future brings me immense relief and joy. Livestock rearing has always been a support for us, and moments like these reaffirm its importance in our lives.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
In my community, the Ilchamus, livestock keeping is a cherished tradition. Every household, including mine, has goats, sheep, and cows, all of which need ample pasture. However, our land has been completely invaded by Prosopis trees, leaving nothing to grow on the ground. This forces us to travel up to 10 kilometers daily to graze our animals at Saimo Soi location. I am deeply concerned because the animals need close monitoring; they are sometimes stolen in the bushes, which is a devastating loss for us. My family of 11 relies heavily on livestock rearing to earn a living. The thought of our animals being stolen fills me with anxiety, as it directly impacts our family's wealth and stability. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to preserving our way of life and providing for my family.
