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 ($422 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?
I am looking forward to a better and more sustainable way to earn a living and support my family. My passion is to start a business of buying and selling cereals. Our area is no longer a food bucket region as a result of climate change. I would like to take this opportunity to start this enterprise since food is scarce.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has touched and changed the lives of many people in our area. We own assets that we never imagined or could have taken us ages to acquire. My household is now connected with power and my grandchildren are now enjoying their evening studies. They are also able to complete their assignment in good time. Parents living with disability have nothing much to support their children, also households living with disabled have big responsibilities. It will be good if GiveDirectly would consider additional transfers to those families.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used to sleep on the floor since I could not afford to buy a bed and mattress. It became worse when I was diagnosed with chest and breathing complications. I could no longer have a peaceful sleep as my health deteriorated. When I received my second transfer I bought a bed and mattress. My son Richard was born with a disability in his hand making him unable to work and provide for the family. I am left with the responsibility of taking care of his three sons Kiprotich, Kiplangat, and Kipkurui. I budgeted KES 20000 to buy them clothing and bedding. I also paid for their school fees.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($474 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my transfer, I was overwhelmed with joy and happiness. This is because I knew that I would be able to seek special medical attention. I can vividly recall that it was on the 16th of March 2022 at 7 am when I heard my phone ringing and vibrating, Upon checking I saw a text message showing that I had received a sum of KES 55,000 from Segovia technology. I was lost for words to express the happiness that I felt. I then shared the news with my helper and afterwards, I embarked on planning how I will utilize my transfer. I am forever grateful for the support that bettered our lives.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life today is that the transfer gave me the will to live and hope for a better tomorrow. My health had deteriorated but that is no longer the case, I can afford to smile now that it has improved amicably. I was also able to purchase a dairy cow, meaning that milk will no longer be an issue in my home. GiveDirectly has lifted my life positively thus I am thankful for the great work they are doing in imparting our lives and the service to humanity as a whole.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving my transfer, I prioritised seeking specialised medication. This is because I have been unwell for a while and I did not have enough money for treatment due to financial constraints. I used to depend on my small business of selling eggs to generate an income but unfortunately, it collapsed because my health deteriorated. Therefore, I used KES 4000 for treatment. I then used KES 20,000 on purchasing a dairy cow to reduce the cost of buying milk daily which was expensive and finally, I used the remaining amount on buying a mattress, blankets and foodstuffs. The support from GiveDirectly was God sent hence I am humbled and grateful for such a powerful initiative.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Last year my only cow died because of East Coast Fever disease and that has subjected me to the pain of buying milk every morning. I spend KES 100 to buy 2-liters of milk every day and this is too expensive for me to afford. On the days when I do not have money, I am forced to prepare black tea for my grandchildren, and since they do not like it they refuse to take even a single sip. I desire to buy a lactating cow and I intend to spend KES 30000 from my transfer to see this happen. Out of this cow, I will get 4-5 liters of milk which my grandchildren will take to their satisfaction.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In December last year, Kenya Power staff mapped houses to be connected with last mile electricity connection and my house was one of them. This news got me so happy that at last my house will be connected to electricity.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My son is married with 3 children and we all live together in the same household. My son has been weak since birth because of a condition he suffered after being born that weakened his bones. That means he cannot engage himself in any economic activity to support his family and the burden fell on my shoulders. At my age, providing for a family of 6 is an overwhelming task for me considering that I depend on casual jobs such as weeding to earn a living. The problem with these jobs is that they are not guaranteed and one cannot be sure when you will get contacted next. There are days I am forced to stay hungry so that my grandchildren can get sufficient food to take.
