GDLive Newsfeed
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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Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Priscah's Profile
Priscah's family
Priscah
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
27
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Priscah's next check-in.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($277 USD)
access_time 3 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I plan to finalize the fencing around my mango farm and diligently manage the mango trees I've planted, which take three years to reach maturity. Mangoes thrive in our region, requiring irrigation only during their growing stage. Fortunately, they perform exceptionally well here, and the market for them is readily accessible—brokers even come directly to the farm to purchase our harvest. After reaching maturity, we can harvest the mangoes three times a year. Ideal for consistent production and sales. This endeavor will allow me to support my family of five and ensure our sustainable future. With the income generated from the mango farm, I look forward to providing a stable and prosperous life.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The support from GiveDirectly has been nothing short of a blessing. What sets their cash transfer program apart is its unconditionality; it empowers you to plan independently and address your specific needs. During enrollment, the officers distinguish themselves with their respectful and humble demeanor. Such professionalism and compassion significantly enhance the effectiveness and impact of their work. Keep up the excellent work, GiveDirectly; your approach is making a difference.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my second transfer, I invested in building materials to construct a new house for my family. The current one is too small for us family of five. We lack space to accommodate visitors who, unfortunately, have to sleep at our neighbors' homes, which is far from ideal. The materials cost $433.5. Upon receiving my final transfer, I will commence construction. With the remaining $16.5, I added a little more to purchase a 210-liter water drum. It is crucial for us, especially during the dry season, as we face severe water shortages in our area. As a small-scale farmer practicing irrigation, the seasonal river has been a challenge. For three years, my harvests have been poor, leading to a decrease in income and making it difficult to meet my family's needs. This situation also prevented me from expanding our house and contributed to the accumulation of loans from our local SACCO. Recently, my husband secured a delivery job. Although the salary is modest, it brings us hope. With his support, we're optimistic about managing our finances better. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for their support.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($131 USD)
access_time 5 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The memory of receiving my transfer from GiveDirectly remains vivid in my mind. While engrossed in household chores, specifically washing clothes, the sudden ringing of my phone caught my attention. Intrigued, I promptly checked the device and, to my immense delight, discovered that GiveDirectly had sent me money. A surge of happiness engulfed me, and an overwhelming excitement filled the air as the realization of newfound possibilities dawned upon me. I then shared the exciting news with my husband who was equally overjoyed. I am so happy that the support from the organization has amazingly improved my life.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the newfound ability to cultivate crops without interruption from goats, thanks to the successful fencing of my farm. This positive transformation is largely owed to the financial assistance received. I am overflowing with immense gratitude for the support, as it has markedly enhanced our overall quality of life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving our initial transfer, my husband and I jointly decided to invest the entire amount of $200 in fencing our land. This was not only a personal necessity but also crucial for our farming activities, serving as a barrier to prevent goats from intruding and damaging our crops. The inability to fence the land previously stemmed from our unstable income, mainly dependent on my husband's work as a supplier of agricultural seeds. The income he generates is scarcely sufficient to sustain our family, considering I am also a farmer. Together, we have three children. We are immensely grateful to the organization for the substantial improvement it has brought to our quality of life.
 
Enrolled
access_time 7 months ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Receiving this money means achieving my ambition of being a fruit farmer. I have set aside two acres of land that I need to do mango and pawpaw farming on a large scale. Due to financial challenges, I have not fenced the farm making it easier to be encroached on by livestock. I will use the transfers to purchase chain links for permanent fencing and seedlings. At the same time, do piping for laying drop irrigation to ensure continued support of water. I am hopeful that this will earn me a good fortune in the next three years since it has minimum maintenance costs therefore maximizing on profits.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I harvested five bags of maize a month ago, from which I sold two bags and the remaining three is left for my family. I am happy because in three years, this was the first harvest and the money I got enabled me to clear a debt at a bank. I am also glad because my family will have enough food for the next six months hence reducing the burden of purchasing food.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial constraints is the biggest challenge. My husband is the sole breadwinner in our family and is employed on a casual basis at a farm. The money he gets is only enough to cater to food and education for our two children. We do not have any money left for us to invest in other things like farming hence we rely majorly on loans which has left us indebted.