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?
I am determined to focus on farming in the coming years and open a business once I start earning from my crops. By investing my time and energy into agriculture, I believe I can provide for my family and create a stable income. Furthermore, I have plans to continue my education, which I had to pause due to lack of school fees. Education is important to me, and I want to improve my knowledge and skills for a better future. I hope that with my farming success and new business, I can pay for my education and set a good example for my child. Ultimately, my goal is to build a better life for my family and achieve my dreams.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has done a great job by not discriminating against anyone; as long as you have a household, you will be enrolled. If someone does not have an ID, they will be assigned a trustee to ensure they still receive the money. I appreciate how committed the officers are to their work, always busy helping people in the community. Their dedication shows that they genuinely care about making a difference. I have not seen anything negative from GiveDirectly; all my experiences have been positive. I appreciate your support.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the unconditional cash transfer, I knew I had to invest wisely to improve my family's situation. I traveled to Marigat town and purchased a generator for $210. This generator is crucial for pumping water from the Molo River to my farm, where I planted vegetables and maize. The floods had previously destroyed my land and nearly ripened maize, so I saw this investment as a way to restart my farming and ensure we have enough food at home. I spent $190 on land preparation, seeds, and labor for planting. After losing everything to the floods, I understood the importance of taking risks in farming again. It was difficult to see our home without food, and I believed that with hard work and determination, we could rebuild our lives. My husband and I used to rely on casual jobs and charcoal burning to make ends meet, which was not sustainable for our family, especially with one child to care for. With the remaining $50, I purchased food for my family. It felt good to finally have food at home after struggling for so long. This cash transfer has not only provided me with the resources to start again but also given me hope for a better future. I am grateful for the support that allows me to focus on farming and providing for my family without the stress of hunger.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($155 USD)
access_time 3 months ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was doing a casual job on my neighbor's tomato farm while leaving my phone charging at home. Upon returning and checking my phone, I saw a message confirming that I had received my transfer of $200 from GiveDirectly. I was overjoyed and in shock, as I had never received such a significant amount on my phone before, not even since I started using Mpesa services. I eagerly waited for my husband to come home so I could share the exciting news with him.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
We lost all our clothes to the floods. They were soaked in the house, and there was nothing we could do to salvage them. After being temporarily relocated, we returned home to find that the only clothes we had left were the ones we were wearing. We managed to wash and wear them, but it was difficult to get by, especially with the limited clothing available. Receiving the GiveDirectly cash made a significant difference. It allowed us to buy new clothes for everyone in the family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
As a young family, we decided to invest in crop farming to sustain our family of three. This year, with the rains beginning, we saw it as our chance to invest using savings from casual jobs and occasional charcoal production. We leased an additional half-acre of land and planted maize. Everything was going well, and we were motivated, until heavy rains caused flash floods that swept away all our maize. We had planned to use the proceeds to buy goats, which we had always wanted because they multiply quickly and their milk is highly nutritious. Owning goats would save us the cost of buying milk and allow us to sell them as their numbers increased, helping us with other needs. When we received our first transfer, we decided to fulfill this long-term wish by buying three goats for $50, $50, and $45, respectively. Additionally, during the floods, we were temporarily relocated to camps, and our clothes, which we had placed on the bed to keep them off the water, were completely soaked. Surviving with only one pair of clothes was challenging. We spent $45 on new clothes and used the remaining amount to buy food.
Enrolled
access_time 5 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Living in an area prone to flash floods has taught me the importance of preparedness. After experiencing the desastrus effects of floods before, including damage to my mud-walled house which is now in dire need of repair again, I understand the necessity of planning for future disasters. Financial constraints have prevented me from building a more resilient iron sheet-walled house despite wanting to. Currently, my family relies on income from charcoal burning, which barely sustains us day to day with no surplus for savings. However, with anticipated transfers, I am hopeful. I plan to spend $450 towards renovating our house, aiming to provide a safer and more comfortable living space for my family of three. Additionally, I intend to spend $200 in purchasing goats, viewing them as a long-term investment that can offer financial security during times of need.
Furthermore, I recognize the importance of improving our farming capabilities to secure our livelihood. Therefore, the rest of the transfers will be used to purchase a water pump, enabling me to irrigate my farm effectively once I am able to resume farming activities fully.I am hopeful of strengthening our resilience against future disasters and improve our overall quality of life.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Even amidst the devastating flash floods that struck my village two months ago, I find solace in knowing that my family of three remained safe, despite our farm being washed away. It was a harrowing experience, compounded by the fact that my child and I battled malaria and pneumonia shortly after the floods. However, we were incredibly fortunate to receive timely assistance from organizations like the Red Cross and MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières).Their support was invaluable during such a challenging time. They provided medical care, essential supplies, and a sense of hope when we needed it most. I am deeply grateful for their intervention, as it helped us recover physically and emotionally from the hardships we faced.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am devastated by what happened two months ago in my village, Loldama. The flash floods caused by the overflowing River Perkerra and Molo washed away all the maize I had sowed on my one-acre land. It is especially painful because I had taken a loan from Kenya Seed Company, counting on the harvest to repay it. Now, I am left with nothing, and I do not know where to start again.I have reached out to Kenya Seed, but they have informed me that their season is over, and they do not allow replanting at this time. It is a heartbreaking situation because I not only lost my crop but also my means to support my family of three. We are facing uncertainty about where our next meal will come from and how we will manage financially.
