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.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming years, my plan is to focus on farming, as I have always been a farmer at heart. Although I was affected by floods in the past, I believe that planting maize can bring significant profits that will help improve my life. I want to invest in better farming techniques and tools to ensure a successful harvest. By doing this, I can provide for my family and create a more stable future for us. Farming has always been my passion, and I am determined to make it work again. My ultimate goal is to build a better life for myself and my children through hard work and dedication to agriculture.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
When the officers came, they taught us a lot about their program and gave us advice on better ways to use the money. We are happy because everyone in the village was enrolled and received support. Their approach was friendly and encouraging, which made us feel valued and respected. I have not noticed anything bad about GiveDirectly; everything has been positive. Overall, I appreciate the help we have received and believe it has made a real difference in our lives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The moment I received the cash transfer, I felt a wave of hope wash over me. My previous toilet had been destroyed by floods, leaving my family without a proper place to go, and I knew I needed to act quickly. So, I used $250 to construct a pit latrine. It was not just about having a toilet; it was also for the dignity of my family and the comfort of our visitors. I could finally welcome guests without feeling embarrassed about our situation. Furthermore, I managed to pay $50 for my children's school fees with the help of my husband, who is a police officer. Education is crucial for our children’s future, and this payment lifted a significant weight off my shoulders. I also spent $60 on a new mattress, as the old one was in terrible condition. Sleeping without proper support had taken a toll on my health and well-being, and now I could finally rest comfortably at night.Lastly, I allocated $90 to buy food. Before the transfer, we relied solely on farming, but the floods had submerged our maize, causing us great losses. Life was difficult, and we often struggled to make ends meet. Now, with this support, I could provide my family with proper meals and focus on rebuilding our lives. This cash transfer has truly transformed our situation, giving us the security and stability we desperately needed.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($150 USD)
access_time 3 months ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home in the afternoon, going about my daily activities and planning to visit my neighbor, when I received an M-Pesa message confirming that I had received $200 from GiveDirectly. I was so happy and immediately informed the rest of my family about the good news. This money was a complete surprise because I was not expecting to receive it so soon. My first thought was to address the food needs in my home and to pay the remaining school fees for two of my children.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
GiveDirectly's assistance has brought a significant change to my life. Without their recent transfer, my kids would not have been able to sit for their end-of-term examinations, which would have been a situation I would not have wanted. Additionally, I was able to address the food needs at home, ensuring that when my children come home for the holidays next week, they will have enough to eat. This has greatly improved our family life, bringing endless joy and happiness to our home.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving $200 from GiveDirectly, I was overjoyed and deeply thankful for their support. I had two pressing issues: food and education for my children. I have six kids, five still in school, so education has always been my priority. I see it as an investment for my family's future because, through education, my children will become competitive in the job market.
I used $100 to pay school fees and send them bus fare, as they are closing next week. This allowed them to sit for their exams because I had received information that they were being sent home to look for money and would not have been able to take their end-of-term exams otherwise.
I used $70 to address the food needs at home because we did not have enough to eat. The rest of the money went towards buying household items.
I am very grateful for GiveDirectly's support because they helped my kids sit for their end-of-term exams.
Enrolled
access_time 4 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I am struggling to raise school fees for my children at the moment because iam not financially
Stable. We have been depending on farming which is now inside the lake due to the submergence of the lake Baringo water. I am planning to use the first cash transfers to pay school fees. Iam also planning to invest in my farm after the lake water return to it's normal place. I will use the remaining money to buy food, livestock's, clothes and furnitures for my family so that we can live a comfortable life
What is the happiest part of your day?
Having 3 children in Senior secondary school is a great privilege to my family because my hard work is not in vain. I am happy because my first born child is in her final year. I know next year will be a bit lighter for our family to raise school fees for other children.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I had small business shop in my compound which was the main source of income to my family but due to lack of finance it collapsed. I am now struggling to raise school fees for my 3 school going children who are in their senior secondary level because iam depending on casual labour which is very rare to get in my village because all farms were submerged by the lake Baringo water during the recent floods.