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 ($428 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?
In the coming year, I hope to expand my poultry farming by purchasing additional layers. At the moment, I own 20 chickens which are producing 10 to 15 eggs every day earning me an income of $2 per day. I intend to increase the number of chickens to 50. Once I accomplish this wish, I will be able to earn more income from the sale of eggs that would comfortably cater for the family's needs like food without much struggle.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Give directly did well in enrolling everyone into the program without asking for payments. Furthermore, the officers were very polite and friendly. Everything went well as far as the enrollment process is concerned. I recommend they continue supporting the poor households in the community.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had desired to start dairy farming, as an alternative source of income that would supplement my earnings from house construction. Currently, I am earning $5 per day which is not enough to support our family of 3 members because of the high cost of living. After receiving the transfers, I spent it to accomplish my dream by purchasing two Jersey dairy cows that cost a total of $500. I am opportunistic that I will be able to have an adequate supply of milk for the family's use as well as sell extra litres to earn income that would support our other basic needs like clothing. Lastly, I used the remaining amount to purchase more foodstuffs for the family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($468 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
That evening, I was at home relaxing with my baby as my wife prepared supper for us. Suddenly, I received a message and I just opened the inbox without much expectation to see what the message was all about. Wow! I couldn't believe that I had received my first transfer and I was very happy as I rushed towards my wife to show her the message. She was so happy that I was finally going to buy her dairy cow which she had desired for a long time..
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Previously, my wife used to complain how her days were boring because she didn't have anything to do. Right now, she has a cow to look after and she's so happy now that her days are now occupied with house chores and looking for the cow feeds. We were so happy that we managed to put up a roof to our two bedroom house and we are excited about inviting guests in the near future because they have somewhere they can spend their nights.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a local mason and that is what I have been doing to provide for my young family ( wife and one child). Since most people in my region build houses based on season because they build semi- permanent houses which can't be built during rainy season, I have to save half of the money that I earn during dry season to take us during rainy season. Due to this reason, I have not been able to afford to buy a dairy cow which my wife who is house wife desired so that she could get something to do. When our household was enrolled, we set several goals and the first goal was to buy a dairy cow so that it can also be an additional source of income. I spend KES 30,000 of my first transfer to buy a dairy cow and the balance to buy iron sheets so that we can put up a roof to a house structure that we had already build.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means improved living standards. We will start a poultry keeping farming which we were unable because of financial constraints. I opted to provide for the family's basic needs from casual jobs. With the current tough economy, this is the easiest investment compared to subsistence farming because it does not require a lot of resources. Having KES30,000 is enough to set up a poultry house and purchase 20 chicken at KES 300 each. I am happy because receiving this money will actualize my dreams of being a poultry farmer.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The peace and harmony we have in our family is what gives me happiness. For the past 6 months, we have not encountered any family disagreements. Hence I do not spend much of my time resolving conflicts but concentrating on economical activities.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The challenge we are facing currently is financial constraints. Weekly I raise around KES500 for my casual jobs that are not enough for my family of three basic needs.
