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 ($460 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My next goal in life is to purchase a dairy cow that I will rear with the one that I already have. By doing this, I will be selling some of the milk to earn an income that I can use in supporting my family. I am glad that GiveDirectly has enabled me to own a water tank that I am currently using to harvest and store clean water for domestic use. Currently, I do not have the finances to use in achieving this but I believe that God will make a way very soon.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has uplifted the lives of the needy in society through its cash program. Due to this, we were able to realize our dreams in real-time. I don't see anything that was not done well simply because no one was discriminated against in any way.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my transfer, I spent KES 15000 building a chicken coop and a feeding ground for my chicken after tithing KES 3000. I have been depending on poultry farming and the chickens would at times destroy my crops so much, especially when it has just sprouted and during the vegetative stage. I am happy that currently, I am no longer worried about running at a loss because they have destroyed vegetables or other crops at the farm. In addition, I spent KES 12000 on medication since I was not feeling well, KES 5000 on utensils, and used the remaining amount on food and clothes. I was unable to achieve these before due to limited cash and I am grateful to GiveDirectly for making it happen.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 8am while taking breakfast when my helper checked my phone and confirmed to have received KES 55000 from GiveDirectly overnight. I was very happy and immediately send my helper to withdraw it for me.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving the transfer is purchase of a water tank which can store rain water for a longer time. Initially, I desired to have a water tank for a long time but couldn't afford. Through the transfers, I have also managed to buy food in bulk for my family and as a result we have grown healthier and happier. In addition we have decent clothing which we couldn't afford before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES55000 on a 3000 liters water tank to help in storage of rain water. This is because the nearest river is two hours away water sources and as a result of carrying water on my back for a long time I developed a leg condition. I also spent KES 6000 on two maize sacks, KES 6000 on maize farming, KES6000 on leg diagnosis, and KES3000 latest clothing fashion.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I fell into a pit some time back, this affected my right knee making it difficult for me to engage in heavy family duties like fetching water or firewood. I will use KES 30000 to seek proper medication. This money will also help me buy a plastic water tank of KES 20000 and harvest rainwater, thus avoiding perennial water shortages. My last-born daughter called off her college studies in the year 2019 due to a lack of money to pay school fees, this is bothering me since I could not give her quality education as a parent. I will therefore use KES 40000 to pay her school fees for the next academic year. With the remaining amount, I will buy food and clothing for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am old and I could not work to provide for my household. Having food for my family is an uphill task for me, every time I found food for my family made me feel so happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Maize is a staple food in our area but currently, maize grains have been selling expensively due to their scarcity. This happened since the arrival of maize rust disease which affected maize production in our area. Our family income is little about KES 3000 monthly which is not sufficient to pay family bills and pay these inflated food prices. This left us to depend on borrowed food or even skip meals.
