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
55000 KES ($484 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?
Yes, My new goal is to complete the construction of the 6 roomed rental house which I had started with the first transfer. At the moment, I am remaining with a few finishing examples putting door and floor for the to the ready for tenants.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well for coming up with the unconditional and non-refundable cash transfer program that has helped many poor households in our area. In addition, the officers were very polite and treated everyone equally without discrimination.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent all my second to continue with the construction of a 6 roomed rental house which I had started with my first transfer and some personal saving. My plan is to use the income from the rental house to educate my two children who are about to join primary school.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($491 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 11am when I was preparing some porridge for my children when I received the transfer message. i was filled with excitement and my heart melted in gratitude thus forgetting that I was cooking. Upon realizing the porridge had become very thick thus I had to convert it to cooking ugali. All this was because of the joy I felt for receiving the first transfer from GiveDirectly.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference I am foreseeing is income I will be generating from the rental houses once it gets some tenants. This will be a long term investment and I am sure it will be a good source of income to me and my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before withdrawing the money, I set a plan on how I was going to spend the money starting from the most demanding items. I had already started a construction project where I was building some rental houses but due to financial constraints I stuck at the block work and I was remaining with the roofing section. In that regard, after withdrawing the money I bought 35 pieces of iron sheets for KES 49000.00. Thereafter I took KES 4000.00 and repaired my husband’s motorbike which we use for ferrying people from one place to another as well as fetching some water. The remaining few amount I used it for food.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I fully depend on my husband since I do not have any source of income. Receiving this money will help me start an income generating activity so as to support my husband provide for the family. I plan to start a poultry unit where I can keep chicken for sale and also get eggs for sale. I will start by building a structure at a cost of around KES 5,000 and buying 10 chicken at a cost of KES 5,000 as well. I also plan to spend KES 50,000 to start goat keeping. I will buy 10 goats for a start. From the goats, I can get money to start other projects especially when they multiply.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the afternoon when I am free. I take this time to bond with my children. Afternoon is my free time since my activities as a housewife are mainly in the morning and evening.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I was raised from a humble background where getting a meal for the day was very hard. I also lacked school fees to continue with my studies beyond primary education. This kind of life has continued now even after getting married. This is because I do not have enough education to secure meaningful employment. I also do not have money to start an income generating activity to support the family's needs; which are so many. Lack of money to support my needs and fulfill my dreams is what has been the biggest hardship in my life.
