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?
In the coming days, months, and beyond, my primary dream is to expand my sources of income by acquiring more goats. Currently, I run a fish-selling business, which sustains my family's needs and serves as our main source of income. By diversifying with more goats, I aim to ensure that I can continue to provide for my family's well-being without worrying about sudden financial setbacks. To make this dream a reality, I plan to use the transfers and my savings from the business. Once I succeed in growing my goat herd, I will be in a much stronger position to provide for my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My son is in his final year of nursing school, a journey marked by numerous challenges for our family. My husband and I have faced many hardships, as I rely on my small fish-selling business and he works as a casual labourer. When I received some money, I immediately allocated $25 to boost his tuition fees, especially with his exams approaching. Knowing that he is settled in school brings me immense happiness and relief. I firmly believe that once he graduates, our lives will change dramatically for the better, as he will be able to secure good jobs and provide a stable future for our family. In addition, I used $65 to purchase a goat and seven chickens, which will be invaluable in case of financial difficulties. These animals represent a source of hope and security for us. Given the favourable climate in our region, I am confident the goat will thrive and reproduce well. To further support my family, I decided to boost my small fish-selling business with $12, hoping to earn good profits as it is our only source of income. This business is crucial for us, and I am determined to make it a success.
26th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($26 USD)
access_time 7 months ago
attach_money
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming months and beyond, my main goal is to expand my sources of income by acquiring more goats. Currently, I run a fish-selling business, which sustains my family's needs. However, I recognize the importance of diversifying my assets for long-term stability. By investing in goats, I'll not only add another stream of revenue but also create a safety net for my fish business. If ever I face a shortage of capital, I can sell some of the goats to inject funds and keep the business afloat. This strategy will ensure that I can continue to provide for my family's well-being without worrying about sudden financial setbacks. With careful planning and perseverance, I am confident that this endeavour will lead to greater financial security and prosperity for my loved ones.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Investing in my son's education has always been a top priority, and the $40 cash transfer came as a timely blessing. With his nursing studies in their second year, the burden of tuition fees weighed heavily on us. Thanks to this support, I could ensure his academic journey remained uninterrupted, fostering a sense of pride and relief as he pursued his dreams. Alongside this investment in his future, I directed $34 towards bolstering my small fish-selling business. The infusion of capital injected new life into the venture, promising better returns and stability. As I witnessed the business thrive, I felt a renewed sense of empowerment, knowing that through hard work and strategic investments, I could secure a better future for my family. With the remaining funds, I addressed our immediate needs, purchasing food that sustained our family of three. This alleviated the pressure on my husband, the primary breadwinner, who tirelessly pursued odd jobs to provide for us. The relief of having our basic needs met allowed us to breathe a little easier, fostering a sense of gratitude for the support that eased our burdens. As I reflected on the journey from financial uncertainty to a place of relative stability, I couldn't help but feel immense gratitude for the opportunities afforded by the unconditional cash transfer.
21st Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($23 USD)
access_time 12 months ago
attach_money
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming year, my aim is to create an additional source of income by launching a small kiosk in my village. The kiosk will focus on selling essential items such as salt, sugar, milk, and other necessities. This venture is crucial as it will provide a steady income, ensuring that I can adequately support my son's college education. I find joy in the fact that, thanks to the support received, I am capable of providing for my son and contributing to his educational journey.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
GiveDirectly has been a tremendous blessing for my family. While my husband works as a casual laborer and I engage in farming, his income is often insufficient to support our family of four. The positive transformation in our circumstances is evident as we now have access to food, and we can provide financial support to our son who is currently studying medicine in college. From the received transfers, I allocated $57 to my son, enabling him to purchase food and other essentials while away at college. The remaining $45 was wisely saved in a savings club, with plans to utilize it in the coming year to purchase goats. This support has brought about a significant improvement in our lives, and I am genuinely happy and grateful for the positive change it has brought to our family.
17th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($24 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
attach_money
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I aspire to start a kiosk business at our home and also engage in livestock rearing, particularly goats. Currently, my husband is the primary provider, working in house construction to support our family. During the rainy season, I take on farming responsibilities to ensure we have enough food. Establishing a kiosk business and raising livestock would give me a source of income that can continue to financially support our family's needs even after the cash transfers come to an end. I hope that the funds I receive from Give Directly are going to open these doors for me and allow me to contribute to the household.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have a son who is currently in college, and I usually provide him with pocket money to support his needs. His tuition fees are mostly covered by his father. In this recent transfer, I sent him $10 to help with his expenses. Additionally, I am part of a merry-go-round savings club where I save money intending to accumulate enough funds to purchase livestock for rearing. Thanks to this effort, I have already bought two goats, and I could not be more grateful for the opportunity. From this transfer, I saved $10 through the group. The remaining $14 was allocated to other household needs, particularly food. There are times when our financial situation is challenging, and my husband and I might go to bed hungry. Am glad that this has rarely happened ever since I started receiving the cash transfers.
13th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($26 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
attach_money
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My hope is to use the money I will have saved to invest into the goat buying business. I currently have three goats and I believe that after it has rained, the goats will grow and I can sell them at a profit.By investing in goats, I can generate more income and improve my financial situation.With the money I make, I plan to rent a larger space and open a kiosk where I will be able to sell fish and vegetables. I am excited about the possibility of expanding my business and providing better opportunities for my family. I am grateful for the support I get from GiveDirectly and I look forward to seeing my business grow.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
As a hardworking mother of two amazing children, I work in a farm and sell fish to support my family, and my husband works in construction sites. Recently, I received my transfer from GiveDirectly and we sat as a family and decided to split the transfer into three: $15 to pay for my child's college fees so that he may have a smooth time in school. I believe in investing in our children's future, so I wanted to make sure he had some support. My son is studying medicine in Kwale County, and my daughter got married recently and they all give me joy and a reason to live. I spent $12 on savings so as to save enough for the future or in case of unexpected financial challenges. The remaining amount of $7 I used to purchase nutritious and healthy food for our family. As farmers and fish seller, I know how important it is to have good food for our loved ones. I am grateful for the support I received from GiveDirectly, and I will continue to work hard to achieve all my goals.
9th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($28 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
attach_money
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In our village, we established a 25-member savings group where people could build their savings by depositing whatever they could afford at any time of the month. The savings will then be withdrawn on the same day by all group members, which is scheduled for the end of March this year. On my end, I had been saving at least $500 per week and hoped to have accumulated at least $100 by the end of March. With this amount, I hope to start a grocery business in which I will purchase a variety of groceries in bulk from a nearby market and then break the bulk as I sell to members of the immediate community. I hope to see success with this business, and the profits will help me to start introducing goat farming to my field.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My primary concern at the time I was receiving the transfers was mostly based on nourishment. This was a consequence of the severe drought that we had been experiencing back in the village and we had actually not made any harvest. For that reason I ended up spending KES 2,280 out of the transfers and bought a bag of maize flour which contained twelve packets hoping that it would last me and my family for a while. I then proceeded to send KES 1,120 which was the balance, to my son so that he would use it as his pocket money and also in case he needed anything since he was studying as a nurse in another town.
6th Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($25 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
attach_money
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
A week before the funds had been sent out, I my daughter who is studying nursing have been sent back home because she had a debt that hadn't been settled, but lucky enough I received the money a couple of days later from the Organization so I ended up using KES 1,500 to pay for her college tuition. Afterwards I used the remaining KES 1,500 to ensure that I took care of nourishment for my family and myselff, so I bought a bag of maize flour which contained a dozen packets, groceries and sugar as well.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The transfers received have literally changed lives in a positive way as people are now able to sustain their families by providing basic needs and more to that, live comfortably by investing in different projects.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving the KES 3000 has brought much joy and relief to the entire family in this tough economic times. I am married to one husband and we have two kids together. My husband does construction jobs that barely pay well, and I on my end operate as a farmer. I was able to spare KES 1400 for food to last a week as what we had was all over. Me being a farmer, I also rear chicken and previously I had two. I was able to buy four more at KES 1000 bringing the total to six with the hope of adding more in the near future. The remaining balance of KES 600, I paid school fees for one of my children so that he is able to attend school without any inconveniences.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($10 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I heard a buzz on my phone as I was doing some cleaning around the house. I gave the phone to my husband so that he can read the message to me. On hearing it was an MPESA message received from GiveDirectly, I was quite happy and would not contain my joy. We disussed with him on how to use the amount and came to a conclusion. I was able to withdraw the amount after one day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The major impact that the transfer brought to my life and that of my family is that we can not sleep hungry anymore and have adequate food supplements to last us a couple of days. I was also able to save up to buy a good and bigger bed and mattress. On future transfers, I plan to keep saving and put the funds to good use.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Getting by the days has been a major challenge as jobs have been hard to come by and also finances have been scarce. I am married to one husband who does casual mason jobs and together we have two children. On better days, I farm for other people at a cost so as to increase the income for the family. Receiving the KES 1200 brought a major difference to our lives and really helped. I saved up KES 800 since I want to buy a bed and a mattress as the one I currently have is quite small. I bought food with the remaining KES 400 for our home since what was left was almost over and we now have adequate food for some time.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will really change my life. I have a lot of desires that have been blocked by lack of money. I will use my first transfer of 1,200 KES to buy a bed. I use a traditional bed made of ropes which is not comfortable at all. Most of the mornings, I wake up fatigued because of it's condition. My next plan will be investing more in livestock farming.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In October last year, my in laws visited us and paid dowry for my first born, who happens to be my only daughter. It was a mixed feeling of joy and sadness. However, I was glad because my daughter was married honourably. Nowadays, most families do not pay dowry. The in laws showed more honour by visiting me again in December. They brought me presents and some shopping. I was very glad.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I was excited in December when we had rains after such a long time. My joy was short-lived because the crops I had planted have started withering. It's a month now without rains and all the crops will soon die. The half an acre piece of land that I planted maize and peas will soon be dry because there is no sign of rain. This means another famine is looming.