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 ($421 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?
Having a sustainable family income is now my uphill task. I am planning to kick-start poultry farming to salvage myself from this challenge. What excites me is that poultry product is in high demand and this will make my business thrive. I will no longer struggle to put food on the table for my family of three.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Many people dreamed of building better houses and buying livestock. GiveDirectly made the impossible possible with the cash transfers program. This changed their lives and brought hope to their lives. Many people have business ideas in their minds but capital is the biggest hurdle. Now that we were faced with many challenges, this money was not enough to cater to all of our needs. I am requesting that if possible GiveDirectly start a project targeting local businesses.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The struggle of quenching thirst is now the story of the past in my household. With my second transfer, I was able to spend KES 35000 to purchase and install a 3000-liter plastic water tank and harvest rainwater. I am happy that I no longer walk long distances to fetch water for my family. This tank would last my household five good months without running short of water. Food and furnishing my house were not left out of my budget.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($475 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was early in the morning when I heard a knock on my door, Upon checking, I realised that it was my son who is also my helper who had visited us that morning. He was excited and happy, upon asking why he looked all excited, that was when he broke the good news to us that he had received the promised transfer. He then asked for my phone for him to check on my behalf. I was anxious and eager to hear what his next word would be. Fortunately for me, it was good news. We celebrate for the better part of the morning hours with happiness, laughter and thanksgiving.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The greatest joy in my heart today is that I feel happy and contented to have accomplished my goal in a short time. GiveDirectly has Impacted our lives amazingly Thus we are grateful. I will be saving on the cost of buying milk daily hence a remarkable milestone.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I was promised the unconditional transfer, I thought of purchasing a dairy cow to add to the one that I had to increase milk production. I knew that this would help me cut down on the cost of buying milk daily. In addition that it would also generate extra income for me. Thus, I used KES 40,000 on purchasing a cow. I then used the remaining amount on foodstuffs. I am happy and grateful to have achieved so much in a short time.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a widow and taking care of two children who are school going, 1 in Kiproroget Secondary and another one in the nearby primary school. We depend on one cow for milk production for daily consumption and selling the surplus to pay school fees.The dairy cow belongs to a relative. It has sustained us for that long though it is not adequate to cater to all the needs. It produces 5 liters per day, in the morning it produces 4 liters for sale and in the evening it produces 1 liter which is used for household consumption. The owner had asked me to buy the cow from him when I get the money. This is the moment that I have been waiting, I intend to use KES 40000 to pay for it. It is so fulfilling and gratifying to own a dairy cow. Having a borrowed cow is something that is frown upon in the Kipsigis culture since it is looked down upon as a sign of poverty.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I harvested about one bag of 90 kg maize last month from my farm. I am so happy that it will sustain us for at least 2 months. In the past months, we have been suffering a lot since we were food insecure and we have been buying the commodity at KES 100 per 2kg which at times we could not afford. Maize farming has not been doing well in our area because of the maize disease. However, I planted a resistant variety known as DK777 which I was able to withstand the disease.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have my last born son who is in form four. He is a candidate due for exams early next month. I have not been able to clear the outstanding fees of KES 10000. My wish was to clear the fees so that he is not sent home for fees and subsequently get ample time to study. I usually get disturbed when he is sent home fees. I solely depend on one cow for milk production for sale and consumption. It is not adequate to cater for school fees and other needs. That is the challenge I face at the moment.
