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 ($468 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
No, my plans was to purchase oxen and ox-plough which I did with my transfer, these will assist me in preparing my farm. Previously, I was using hands which resulted into low harvest hence food insecurity for my family or sometimes I could hire from my neighbours which was relatively expensive.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in coming up with the unconditional cash transfer program which has transformed our lives for the better. I don't see anything that it does not do well. I wish it may reach other poor households in society.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to purchase KES 40,000 to purchase 2 oxen, I intended to help me in tilling my farm since I was using hands which are characterized by low harvest. In addition, I added some amount from my savings to purchase an ox-plough for KES 16,000.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($494 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was on a rainy morning at around 9am when I was trapping some water falling from the roof of a house. While in the cold my phone vibrated and upon checking it was an M-Pesa message. I scrolled down quickly to know who had sent me some money yet I had no appointment with anyone. I was very excited after seeing a huge amount of money I hadn’t received before and this money was from GiveDirectly.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The difference that I can attest with this transfer is the fact of me getting a long term investment and that is the ploughing bulls. I have been getting it rough in tilling my own piece of land but as from now the bulls will be ploughing my land and then use them in other peoples’ shambas at a fee.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My desire was to own cows for commercial purposes, cows that are used in ploughing. After withdrawing the money that was the 1st priority I looked at. I bought 2 ploughing bulls at KES 20000.00 each. These cows will help me generate income when the planting season arrives, so I bought them as an investment. I also took KES 5000.00 and paid school fees for my 2 young children who are in lower primary school; grade 1 and 2. I kept the remaining amount for the family upkeep in terms of food and other family needs.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means improved living standard in my house hold.This is because I am relying on charcoal business which earns me atmost Ksh 2,400. This happen after every two month because the job is involving and tiresome.One has to take some weeks to rest before preparing them.Thi has made me struggle to provide for my house hold. I plan to spend Kshs.80,000 to buy four indigenous cows at Ksh.20,000- each.I will also use Kshs.8,000 to purchase an ox plough which will help me to hire to my neighbours so as to increase my source of income as well as milk for own consumption.
The remaining amount will help to cater for school fees for my children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening.This is because I get enough time to share super with my family.Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours when I away in the forest burning charcoal while my children are at school.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have ever faced is food insecurity.This is because the charcoal business is tiresome so when I rest I find it hard to provide food for my family.Sometime I am forced to sleep without food, Situation that is embarrassing.
