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 ($480 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Fending from hand to mouth was the life I used to live. My living condition was miserable but I am now happy since I live in a good house, my daily food is a guarantee and it’s not just food but good food unlike before when I was used in eating anything provided it’s edible. I also have an investment that is the goats I bought.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly is taking care for the needy; it has enabled us to eat strange foods that we were just hearing such as milk tea, breads and rice. In my opinion, I feel that GiveDirectly is a perfect organization to be emulated though I am not sure if there is any organization which can match or outdo what GiveDirectly has done to us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used the 2nd transfer in constructing a single-room house because the one I had was falling apart. I took KES 15,000.00 and paid a dowry for my daughter-in-law. I also bought 3 goats since I know within a short while they will multiply and this will be a source of income through selling and the remaining amount I kept if for food and other family emergencies.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($511 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at my house chatting with my neighbour who had visited us that morning when I received message alert in the phone. I handed over the phone to my helper who confirmed that I had received the transfer. I was overwhelmed with joy after receiving my transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Waking up every morning in a decent house with the family is the biggest difference in my daily life. Previously, I had a small house which was not worth living due to the smoke from the kitchen.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For several years, I have been staying in the in a small house which I used it as a kitchen at same time. I have wished to construct a separate house for sleeping but I lack the money to purchase the building materials. After receiving the transfer, I spent $300 to buy the building materials and constructed a decent house for my family. I used the remaining amount to purchase enough food stuff for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means building a better house for us. Currently we shelter in a traditional hut that is made of grass and it's prone to damages. This causes constant leaks during heavy rains making it unfit for human life. It is also the same house that we use as a kitchen and it gets smoky at night, thus causing persistent respiratory problems. Besides this, I will purchase goats and continue with my rearing project inorder to finance my son's education.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when I am resting after a long day. My day is always packed with tiresome duties such as household chores, burning charcoal and walking long distance in search of water.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Charcoal burning has being the major source of income in this area, has led to deforestation. This has negatively affected the productivity of this job but we still do it since it's the only way. It gives meagre earnings because of its cumbersome nature. The little we get caters for priority needs such as food thus we overlook other needs like school fees and good shelter. All this misfortune is caused by financial instability which is my biggest hardship.
