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
53010 KES ($375 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I would like to make enough money to be able to pay for my children's higher education expenses without too much difficulty. Four of my eight kids are currently enrolled in school. I'll start saving a little money with the merry-go-round to save up the necessary funds to accomplish this. Once they graduate, I do not doubt that their futures will improve, thus eliminating poverty.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, everything went smoothly throughout their stay in my village. Before their visit, I had a lot of financial problems and couldn't take good care of my family at all. But for now, all I can see are good things in the form of assets. I do not see anything that they have not done well so far.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I've wanted to have a dairy cow for a very long time, but I couldn't afford the cost. As soon as I got my transfer, I went ahead and paid $200 for the cow. I chose it because, in addition to considerably empowering my family, it is one of the investments that can thrive so well in my area. Once it reproduces, I can choose to sell some to cover any unexpected expenses, such as fees for my four school-age children, which has been an immense challenge in the past. In addition, I'm certain I'll be selling milk, which costs $1 per litre. As a result, even after GiveDirectly moves to another village, I will always remember this investment. After completing that, I was able to purchase a two-acre land. The current one is owned by my in-laws, and despite their generosity, I needed a place that I could safely farm and call home. Additionally, it was small, and occasionally I had to lease my neighbours' farms, which was expensive for me. I sometimes fail to put my gratitude to GiveDirectly into words. I'll always be grateful.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($404 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received a message tone from my phone as I was tirelessly at work sowing some maize seeds on the farm. I was curious because it was the day I was anticipating getting some money from GiveDirectly, so I immediately left for home to ask someone to verify since I cannot read or write. My son was home when I got there. He verified that I had received the initial transfer of $550. As I realized I wouldn't have to live in humiliation for occupying a plot for which I had not paid in full, my emotions calmed down in joy and I felt at rest.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The accommodation is the biggest change from my previous way of life that was brought about by the transfer. Since I no longer wake up in the middle of the night because of a leaking roof, this has brought back the joy in my life. In addition, I can easily provide the family's fundamental necessities, such as food, so they no longer go to night hungry.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since I had been residing on a plot that I had not fully paid for, I decided to complete the payments and become debt-free. I completed the last payment of $100 for the plot after withdrawing the initial transfer. I currently have complete control of the land and am completely free to do whatever I want on it. Following that, I decided to buy livestock, specifically goats. In comparison to cows, goats are cheaper to buy, more quickly reproduce, have ready markets for sale, and can withstand harsher climates. These factors led me to choose goats. As a result, I spent $150 to purchase five goats. Since I was residing in a hat-like structure, I also built a nice, roomy house. I spent $100 on the building poles and rafters and $80 on the contractor because I already had some iron sheets. I'm content right now because I have a lovely spot to sleep. Additionally, I used $24 to cover my six primary school-aged children's tuition, and I used the remaining money to buy food.
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Our houses are still temporary because we moved here very recently and we are yet to get money to construct permanent ones. Since I have young children, I have always felt worried because the houses lack doors and the iron sheets on the roofs are supported by logs. What a worrying life! With this money, I plan to spend a big portion of the transfers ($700) to ensure we are safe with decent houses. This will guarantee me peace of mind and eventually a better life. On the other hand, I will use $100 to clear the pending debt for my land and the remaining amount will cater to other needs like education for my children, food, and new beddings. Hence, this is generally what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My husband had secured a piece of land where we were yet to clear the amount he was charged. Due to the good relationship between him and the owner, we were allowed to shift and occupy that land. Recently, we moved with our children to start a life away from the extended family. On this land, I will be able to do farming because it's still fertile. The feeling of owning a property gives me courage in life and a sense of ownership. Thus, this is generally what stands out as my main reason for happiness.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a stable source of income is generally my biggest challenge which has affected my ability to take care of my family of 11. My charcoal work is no longer reliable because trees are scarce which makes it hard to provide all the basic needs. With the charcoal job, I usually make utmost $20 per month, an income that never sustains us. Spending nights on the flow, lack of school fees, and going to bed hungry have always been the case. This means our health status has worsened while my children's education has never been spared too. What a life!
