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?
My main goal for this year and the years to come is to increase the number of goats I own to ten. Additionally, I want to ensure that my five children continue to stay in school, as their education is very important to me. I plan to use the next transfer from GiveDirectly to help make these goals a reality. This support will allow me to invest in more goats, which will provide additional income and resources for my family.
I also intend to focus on other priorities, such as farming, to create a sustainable source of food and income. With these plans in place, I am hopeful for a brighter future for my family, where we can thrive and succeed together.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has done an incredible job, and what stands out to me is their unconditional cash program. This program has enabled me to transform my life in ways I never thought possible. With the cash support, I have been able to address my family's needs directly and effectively. I appreciate the freedom to use the money as I see fit, allowing me to make decisions that are best for my situation.
I do not have any specific recommendations for GiveDirectly because I believe they should continue doing what they are currently doing. Their approach has been beneficial to me and many others in my community. I am grateful for their support, and I hope they can reach even more people in need.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Recently, I received $450 from GiveDirectly, and I was incredibly grateful for the support. I decided to use the money to improve my life and that of my family. I spent $380 to buy construction materials because my old Manyatta house was not sufficient for my family of five children. I built a new house made of iron sheets, which provided enough space and privacy for my family. Now, with two houses, we can better meet our household needs.
After completing the construction, I realized I didn’t have any livestock before receiving help from GiveDirectly. I used $40 to buy one goat, which I plan to take care of. This goat will provide milk for my family, and I hope to grow my livestock in the future. Getting food has always been a challenge, and relying solely on casual labor was not enough. To ensure my family has enough to eat, I used $30 to buy food, and since then, we have never lacked food.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($155 USD)
access_time 2 months ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had no power on my phone, so when I came back from the farm and charged it, I immediately saw a message from M-Pesa confirming that I had received money from GiveDirectly. I couldn’t believe it at first, so I took my phone to my neighbor, Mama Miguel, and asked her where the money came from. When she confirmed it was from GiveDirectly, I was so excited that I went straight to withdraw the money and took my child to the hospital because he wasn’t feeling well.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I have seen a biggest difference since I had my shep which will multiply, I have also bought my son school uniform who had been wearing primary clothes while other people's are wearing secondary clothes, I had no any other alternatives, I had chickens but they were all swept away by the floods and I have leased my farm too to plant maize, you have removed me from one level to another.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am so grateful for the cash transfer because it has helped me in many ways. With the $200 I received, I bought two sheep for $100, which will be a great long-term investment. They can multiply, and I hope to sell some in the future for extra income. I also leased a piece of land for $50 to plant vegetables, as maize hasn't been doing well lately due to disease. Vegetables seem like a better option for now, and I’m hopeful that this harvest will support my family.For food, I used $35 to make sure my children had enough to eat, and I spent $15 on school uniforms for them. It’s been tough managing as a single mother since my husband and I separated six years ago. I have five children, and the responsibility of raising them falls entirely on me. Casual jobs are what I rely on to put food on the table, but they are inconsistent, so having this support has really lifted a burden off my shoulders.
Enrolled
access_time 4 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
To expand our living space, I will allocate $423 to construct a house using iron sheets, providing safety during both hot and rainy seasons. Additionally, $54 will cover essential purchases such as food, clothing, beddings, and utensils for my family. Furthermore, I plan to invest $269 in agriculture and livestock farming by purchasing goats and leasing an acre of farmland for crop cultivation. This investment is aimed at creating a sustainable source of income for my family in future.
What is the happiest part of your day?
During the floods, we were forced to relocate to a IDP camp. Life in the camps was devastating. When the floods finally receded, allowing us to return home, I felt immense relief. Receiving donations from the government and others filled me with joy and gratitude.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Living in a single grass-thatched room is insufficient for my family of 5. Due to financial constraints, I am unable to build an additional house. Relying on sporadic casual labor makes it challenging to meet our basic needs such as food and clothing. Moreover, I lack the funds to lease farmland for agricultural investment, which could not only ensure food security but also generate income from selling crops.