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 ($494 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life different than it would have been because I am living a better life after receiving my transfer. I was able to start livestock rearing this is a reliable source of income for the family. Currently, I own a herd of 3 indigenous dairy cows and one goat. My long-term plan is to sell the offspring when the multiply to educate my children up to the university. The income that I will be earning from the selling of milk will cater for our daily needs like food. In addition, I was be able clear the school fees for my children and acquired better beddings.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Givedirectly did well for sending us the cash transfer which has empowered my life with a lot of assets. This is because the cash Unconditional which allowed us to choose what to buy. I do not see any part which GiveDirectly failed.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $150 my transfer to educate my children who are in primary school by paying their fees for 2 terms. This is because the were always send home for fees which has affected their performances in school. I also used $120 to purchase a bed and mattress since I was using a transitional bed and mat which was not comfortable for resting. I was feel fatigue every morning something that had negatively impacted my daily works. Furthermore, I purchase a dairy cow for $160, with this I will be selling milk at the nearby milk outlet at $0.5 per litre. With the remaining amount I bought enough food for the family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I saw the message on my phone in the afternoon as I was taking a rest having taken my livestock to the grazing fields. Since I could not comprehend the messages,I called for my helper who informed me that I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I was overwhelmed with joy and celebrated with my family for this fortune.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Owning the cows is the biggest difference in my daily life. I had none before GiveDirectly came to us. I could not afford to buy them at my own cost. I am proud to have them because they are assets to me and I know as they reproduce and increase in number, I will be selling the offspring in case of a dire financial need. Besides, I will be getting milk for my family's consumption and sell the surplus and earn an income.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 32000 of the first transfer on purchasing two heifers which I am currently keeping in my homestead. I resolved to buy them because to me, these are valuable assets that I can readily rely on them in case of a financial need. My expectation is to see them multiply and have many of them. I will be getting milk for my family's consumption and sell the surplus. In addition to this, I also paid school fees for my five children for them to be allowed to continue with their studies. I did some shopping on new school uniforms for them. I spent the amount that remained on buying some foodstuffs and other household items.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a widow who was left with 2 children. One of my children is currently in secondary school and the other one finished his secondary education. My wish has been to take the first born to vocational college so that she can train on tailoring and design course. I am planning to spend 40,000 shillings to clear all the fees for the whole duration. I will also purchase for her a sewing machine at 20,000 shillings once she is done with the course and business premise where she can operate. This is going to generate income for our family. In a day she can make 300 shillings. This will be enough to sustain all our needs such as food. Other than that, I am planning to spend the remaining part of transfer to clear fees arrears for the son who is still in high school.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is in the morning. This is because I am always energetic. I do constructions work which earns me money for food to cater for food only.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship is lack of a reliable source of income. I am a widow who does casual jobs such as tilling peoples land. This job is tiresome and earns me 200 shillings per 1 acre. The amount is not enough to fulfil all our needs such as school fees. This is the reason which has made me fail to clear all fees arrears.
