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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($508 USD)
access_time over 4 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 currently different because bought a water tank. I used to fetch water from a water pond about 3 kilometers away from home. The water was not safe for drinking and could easily affect the health of my children. I am sure the rainwater I collect in the tank is much safer in addition to the trouble it saved me from the hectic process of fetching from the community pond.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well by being keen to ensure that no one imposed in our village. All the people in my village spent the money wisely because they wanted to do as well as to GiveDirectly by keeping our words by implementing our aspirations.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent the money I received on school fees for my children in various schools. I paid school fees for three in different universities. I then paid for one who was joining form one. I bought him school supplies.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($541 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am now living a happier life than before. This is because my family now have access to clean water all the time. Due to this, I no longer worry about us being infected with water-borne diseases due to the consumption of unclean water fetched from the water pans. Also, I no have enough time to work on my farm as I no longer have to walk for a long distance looking for clean water to fetch.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was a few minutes past 6 am when I realized that I had an unread message as I was going through my phone. My heart was immediately filled with happiness when I first saw the Mpesa message. I had never dreamt of receiving such an amount of money before.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I usually walk for a long distance looking for clean water for domestic use and it is always tiring and time-consuming. Due to this, I bought a water tank with a storage capacity of 3000 liters using part of my first transfers. I will be using it to harvest rainwater during the rainy season and have enough time to work on my farm. Also, I spent some amount to pay school fees for my two children who are in tertiary institutions. I used the remaining amount to buy some basic needs for my family. I bought some utensils, 25 kg of rice, two sacks of maize and decent clothes and shoes.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My family has been drawing water from a stagnant water pan for a very long time. It harbors filth and is a predisposition for infections like typhoid and diarrhoea. For a long time my desire has been to accord my children with clean and safe water for drinking. Receiving this money will enable me buy a 3000 litre capacity water tank at a cost of 260 usd to realize this aspiration.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The planting season is fast approaching. Currently I am busy cultivating my 0.7 acre piece of land in preparation for planting maize next month. This is a task I undertake from morning till evening. Reflecting on the day's accomplishment at the end of the day gives me a sense of fulfillment as it is a step closer towards achieving food security. This is the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Two of my 6 children are in university and one is completing secondary school this year. This means I will be sponsoring 3 children in university next year with another joining high school. With only 3 livestock to depend on, my biggest worry is that the demand for fees may become overwhelming and my children may end up deferring their studies till further notice.
