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 ($438 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?
My new goal is to ensure that I have food security for the family. Currently, we are experiencing famine in our area, and obtaining food is very difficult. I intend to purchase sufficient foodstuffs for the family that would sustain us during this famine period.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Givedirectly did well in sending the cash transfer to the poor households in our village. Life in our village has improved greatly in terms of housing and most of the children are not missing classes unlike before courtesy of the transfers. I am very grateful specifically for being able to boost livestock rearing. I feel that there is nothing that the organization did not do well..
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a livestock farmer and have desired to boost my farming by purchasing more livestock. I spent $320 to purchase 3 local dairy cows, this is because they are more resistant to harsh weather conditions. Similarly, I bought 2 goats and one sheep for $105, at the moment, I am happy to fulfilling my dream of improving animal keeping. This is my future investment and a reliable source of income that will assist me whenever I faced any financial challenge. With the remaining amount, I bought enough food for the family that we have been using till recently when it was over.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($463 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home relaxing with my children since I had been looking after my livestock the whole day in the grazing fields. I received a message alert on my phone and when I checked to confirm receipt, I realised it was a Mpesa message. I was curious to know who could have sent me some money at that hour. When I read the contents, it was from GiveDirectly informing me that I had received my first transfer. I broke the news to my family and together we rejoiced since the transfer could change our living standard by buying more livestock to keep.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Raising livestock has been my main source of livelihood. My children are now in school because I managed to sell some goats and paid for their school fees. I do not have any other source of income from which I can educate my children apart from the livestock. I am glad that through the transfer, I managed to buy five more goats and added them to my existing goat shed. My expectation is that they will reproduce and increase in number. They are financial security for my children's education. Owning the goats is the biggest difference in my daily life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I do not have formal employment and I rely on livestock rearing for livelihood. Livestock are valuable assets that one can own in our region. Through this livestock, I can readily sell to raise fees for my children. My priority was to have much livestock and keep them, When I received the transfer, I purchased five goats and added them to my goat shed. My expectation is that I will be able to sell the offspring to fund my children's education. In addition to this, I also purchased a new bed and a mattress and replaced the old ones that I have been using. I was previously using old mats which did not offer a comfortable sleep. I am now sleeping well on my new beddings. My living house was also mud-walled and rough and needed to do some plastering. To make it more decent, I bought 10 bags of cement and sand to renovate it. Lastly, I did shopping for my basic needs such as foodstuffs and new clothes for myself and my children.
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means an improved living standard for my household. I am planning to spend KES 60000 to buy 10 indigenous goats which do well in my area due to dry weather conditions. As they multiply, I will sell at a profit and use the proceeds to cater to my daily needs such as food and medicine. The remaining amount will help me to furnish my house with nice furniture and new bedding to replace the old ones as well as save for the future. Once I accomplish this ambition, my heart will be filled with joy and satisfaction because I will have an asset to rely on and a comfortable shelter with improved items.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Last month I was part of a delegation that went to pay a dowry for my elder brother's son. Initially, those who make such a trip must be elders in the family. At the home of our inlaws, we were welcomed with songs and dances, something that I had never witnessed before. This brought me joy and happiness because I learned about the importance of such an event in my culture and how it unites families.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of money is the main challenge that I am currently facing. I am a palm wine tapper, a job that is not sustainable because the coconut trees have been greatly affected by drought, hence do not produce a lot of wine. In a day, I get 2 bottles of 1.5 liters each which sells at KES 80 per bottle. The proceeds are not enough for all the basic needs such as food, medical, and clothing. In a day I spend KES 400 due to the high cost of food prices. This has made me struggle to make ends meet. Sometimes, I am forced to borrow food from neighbors which is shameful.
