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 ($462 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?
For the past two years, I have been working as a tractor driver for my neighbor. It has been so helpful to me, and even though I never completed training as a driver, he has trusted my experience with his machines. At the moment, striving to complete the driving classes to obtain a valid driving license is my goal. GiveDirectly's transfer sorted all other obligations that I had, and can now comfortably make some savings towards the same goal.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
After the receipt of the transfer and the great work everyone did in our village, everybody talks good about GiveDirectly. In my opinion, all the expectations that were set during the initial sensitization stages were met. In addition, the transfers were timely, came directly to our accounts, and everyone received a call from the office to confirm the receipt just a week after every transfer. I have nothing to complain about but wish GiveDirectly the best as they continue changing lives in other villages.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
On receiving the second transfer, I felt relieved to buy a lactating dairy cow at KES 30000 which brought an instant halt to the daily cost of buying milk for my family of three. The daily KES 50 that I used to spend has now been redirected to serve other household goods. This second transfer also allowed me to pay part of the dowry to my inlaws - who had been pushing that I should start paying after getting married to their daughter. I visited their home, and after a long talk that I was glad to agree and made a deposit of KES 20000, with a promise to keep paying the remaining amount every two months. I later spend the remaining amount on buying household foodstuff and some pairs of clothes for my wife and child.
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 9pm when I heard a message notification from my phone. I reluctantly check it out. When I checked it out I couldn't believe my eyes, it was a message confirming that I have received money from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy because I have never received such amount of money before. I immediately inform my family members, everyone celebrated the good news. It was one of our best nights. We plan on how to spend it. I withdrew the money the following day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Purchasing a heifer is the biggest difference in my daily life. I always buy milk daily and this is so costly for me. I do casual jobs in the village. This small jobs earns me small income and because of the household items I was not able to save some money. I had always wished to own a dairy cow but with the condition I was it was not possible. When I received the transfer I felt so happy. We decided to invest in dairy keeping. We agreed on purchasing a heifer. When it reproduce in the next few months we will be able to get enough milk for the family. My children will not miss milk like now. I will be able to save some money that I could have used to buy milk for other basic needs. I am so grateful for the support because GiveDirectly has given me hope for better tomorrow. I have peace of mind to conduct my daily routine knowing that everything is good.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 25,000 to purchase a heifer. This will enable me to cut the daily cost of buying milk when it reproduced. I bought sofa set seats, tables ,paid the debts that I had borrowed from a friend. This gave me peace of mind because I was no longer stress up. The rest of the money I spent on food and clothes.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
For a long period, we have lived on a small piece of land, an eighth of an acre. This land was given to me by my parents after I got married in 2019. My goal has been to purchase a bigger piece of land than this to engage in large-scale farming. I plan to use approximately KES 70,000 to add up to my other savings and purchase the land. For the rest of the amount, I will purchase a dairy cow which will be earning me income through the sale of milk.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the past 6 months, my wife has been able to purchase a goat from the merry-go-round savings she had.This has brought a lot of joy to my family because we currently own a goat which is a good asset within our community.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of money is the main challenge am currently facing. Crop farming and livestock production is the main economic activity in this area. I own a small piece of land, an eighth of an acre. This is not enough to engage in commercial farming because much of it is occupied by the house. The yields from this land are hardly enough to sustain my family's food requirements and therefore my daily incomes from transport services are all spent on the basic needs.Due to lack of income, I have stagnated in this level without achieving much of our goals such as purchasing a piece of land.
