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?
Our bodies experience a number of challenges as we age. I haven't been feeling well lately, so I've thought of going to a credible hospital to have my health checked out. As they will serve as a safety net in case of future calamities, I also plan to keep looking and continue growing my herd of goats.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
What I cherished about Givedirectly was that they recognized and observed the situation we were in and made the decision to assist. This specific assistance reaches those in need and provides them with the support they require. I'm pleased that they did more than just recognize our need; they also took action to help.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since goats fare better than other animals in these dry and rocky environments, they have been a source of livelihood for the majority of people. I added four goats to the few I already owned by paying $5,000 each for them with the second transfer. We often sell one and use the earnings to meet needs whenever we run out of food or have other necessities. I also cemented the floor of my house, which had a mud floor before. My home is now lot more tidy and simple to keep clean as a result. I bought food with the remaining transfer
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($134 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was spending time with my grandchildren when I received a message from GiveDirectly, but since I am unable to read, I had to rely on my grandchildren to read the message for me. They confirmed that it was indeed from GiveDirectly. I was overjoyed upon receiving the first transfer, and immediately informed my helper who was not home at the time. He returned around 5:00 pm, and the following day, he helped me collect the money before we made our first purchases.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is attributed to the substantial investment I ventured into livestock farming by purchasing two goats, which I am currently nurturing. My aim is to breed them so that in the future, I can sell the offspring and use the proceeds to cater for any unforeseen expenses in my household. The generous support I received from GiveDirectly enabled me to take this step towards securing my family's financial future, and I am eagerly looking forward to receiving the second transfer to make more significant improvements in my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving the payment the next day, I sought the assistance of my helper to collect the funds, and immediately ventured into investing $100 in purchasing two goats, recognizing the profitable nature of goat farming in our region with its expansive shrub-covered lands. My intention is to breed these goats and eventually sell them when the need arises. Additionally, I upgraded my household lighting system by purchasing a solar lighting system that cost $48, replacing the dim torchlight that we had previously relied on. This transformation to luminous solar bulbs has significantly improved our living conditions by providing a well-lit environment. The remainder of the money were allocated to buying food for my small family of two, which we are still utilizing to this day.
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Receiving this money will be a big boost for us. In our old age we cannot engage in active economic activities and as such we have lagged behind. Goat keeping does well in our area and there are plenty of pastures for grazing, it is for this reason that we intend to purchase 6 goats for keep that will cost $360, that way we will be ensured of a continued livelihood to depend on, goats multiply very fast, they even give birth up to triplets and mature very fast. Therefore, it will assist us to purchase food whenever we need in future since we will simply sell them. This transfers will bring an elevated effect of us and make our otherwise miserable lives better. We will us the rest of the money to purchase foodstuffs for future consumption and to buy clothes.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the past two weeks, we got the monthly cash transfers for the elderly which had taken some time since the government last released them. We were extremely happy since it came amidst the food insecurity that has ravaged our household. The month of January is usually hard on us, the situation was further worsened by the increased cost of living. When we got the money it was a reprieve for us, we went straight to the retail shop at Marigat and bought the foodstuff that we came home with and we have been using since then.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
We are old and as such life has become so unbearable for us. My health has deteriorated too, I am battling chronic ulcers that has weigh me down for sometime. At the same time I have a lower back pain that does not allow me to bend, I used to do casual works like charcoal burning for a living but I cannot do at the moment because I am incapacitated. We therefore depend on my husband's cash transfers for the elderly which is meagre and unsustainable , at times our elderly son support us to get foodstuff. We are hit by food insecurity since we are not economically active and only depends on the support from my son and the government.I am also selective in terms of the food I eat because of the ulcers, the food I need can be expensive.
