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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($432 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Despite the fact that there has been a four-month drought, I am optimistic that a farming venture will be the ultimate goal this year. I am hoping to plant short crops that will include vegetables and beans. I hope to raise school fees and food for my family through farming.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am grateful for GiveDirectly's excellent work in our community. We will be eternally grateful for the transformation we witnessed after receiving financial assistance. This was unique in that it included the freedom to spend on addressing individual household challenges. When properly planned, the funds were sufficient to solve our problems.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $300 on a cow that is currently 8 months in calf after receiving the second transfer. I had always relied on a friend's cow, which I had kept to provide milk for my family of five. I'm relieved that I'll soon have enough milk for both our household needs and surplus sales. In addition, I paid $150 in university tuition for my daughter. I used to rely on subsistence farming for a portion of her school fees, but due to the uncertainty of the harvest's quality, I sometimes struggled to keep her in school. I am glad GiveDirectly increased the payment, as it gives me more time to work while I save for the next term. In addition, I spent the remaining funds spent on household items such as food and clothing for my children.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($468 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
At that moment I received a message confirming a receipt of my first transfer I was home alone . I was very happy and thankful since I knew all the plans I had would commence immediately after the withdrawal of the money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the transformation that I have seen in my household so far. I look forward to doing more with my second transfer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With KES 30,000 from my first transfer, I spent on purchasing a heifer. For a long time, I had been keeping a dairy cow which was given by one of my relatives since I didn't have milk. I am so glad since it is almost calving and soon we are going to enjoy more milk production and later on can sell the surplus to earn an income. I also spent KES 10,000 on paying term fees for my son who is in secondary school and I am excited since he will be studying without being sent home to collect school fees. The remaining part of the transfer I spent on buying clothes and food for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
As a widow, I have faced so many tribulations of raising the family on my own. The situation turned from better to worse in 2013 when my husband passed on. To date, I still struggle a lot to fend for my family, at some point I was forced to borrow a dairy cow from a relative just to be able to get some milk for consumption. Not owning a dairy cow on your own is something that is frowned upon in our culture, I am so ashamed when I am reminded of it and the thought of it being taken back by the owner pains me a lot.My family and I have always intended to do something about this situation but lack of finances have weighed us down.This help could not have come at a better time than this, I intend to use KES 40000 to buy a dairy cow and safe face from the humiliation of not owning one.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Last month I harvested 3 bags of maize that we are consuming at the moment. I have the peace of mind since I do not have to worry about where to get the money to purchase them.I am so contended since food insecurity is ever bothersome.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have a daughter in Kabianga university and 2 others in middle level colleges. The idea of raising school fees is a big deal since I am a peasant farmer and it is a real struggle to meet the demands of fees and their upkeep.I have lived a life of hopelessness and destitution. I pray that one day I will come out of the situation when they finish school and get jobs.
