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 ($493 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different than how it would have had I not received the transfer. This because I no longer buy milk daily like before. Due to this, I have been able to reduce my daily expenditure hence I no longer overwork myself anymore. In addition to this, my children are nowadays happy since they get enough milk for their consumption. Owning a dairy cow had always been my dream and I thank God for leading GiveDirectly to my life to help me fulfill it.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my own opinion, GiveDirectly does well by giving out financial aid and I do not see anything that they do not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my transfer, I spent KES 23,000 to purchase a dairy cow and some chicken. This are assets to me that I can depend on in case of financial crisis. Also, I will be using income from the sell of surplus to meet our daily needs. I used the remaining amount on clothes and food for my family. I settled on this so that my children would at least feel that indeed GiveDirectly have out some financial assistance and be happy.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was at 2pm on 17th December while I was taking lunch when my neighbours kept calling me asking if I had received the transfer, which I had not. Shortly after, I received the transfer that I even stopped eating because I was overjoyed. I told my wife about it and she too was very excited.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
With the cow I bought I can milk for my family and we no longer buy milk as we used to do before. We can also afford 3 meals a day unlike before when we took 2 meals.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I bought a cow which am milking currently, bought clothes for my family and 1 bag of maize to use for food.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have a desire to venture into dairy farming. I love this and it has been my passion ever since I was a young child. My young children will grow up healthy because milk is a good source of protein. Starting this business has been an impossible dream for me because I lack capital. If I am fortunate enough to be enrolled in GiveDirectly program, I plan to spend 40000 shillings on buying a quality Friesian cow. This will give me a reliable source of milk every morning. From it, I can rest assured that I will get 8-10 liters of milk daily. I will reserve 4 liters for domestic use and sell the rest at our nearby market at 40 shillings per liter. This will enable me to make savings which will greatly boost my financial independence.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am always happy in the morning because this is the time I feel fresh and energetic. This is also the time I am grateful to God for allowing me to see another day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I live in a single-roomed house that we cook and sleep at the same time. We use firewood to cook and the smoke that emanates from the fireplace is causing so much irritation to my children when they are sleeping. They usually cough a lot and this is something that is stressing me as a parent. I feel like I should do something to get them a place where they can get a peaceful sleep. I also feel ashamed when visitors pay me a visit when cooking is taking place because I have nowhere to take them. They have to persevere in a thick smoke since there is nothing much I can do. This is lowering my self-esteem and it makes me feel less of myself.
