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 ($493 USD)
access_time over 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 after receiving my transfer in that I am living a happy life was able to construct a better shelter for my family. Also, I was able to purchase two goats with my transfer and purchase sufficient food for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has done so well in helping the poor household in society. The cash transfer has uplifted this household in the ways I
In my village.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to purchase building poles, timber, Iron sheets and paid labour cost all this was for the construction of a decent house for my family. This is because I use to stay in a small structure covered by old and rusty iron sheets. I had loved to own a decent house but I lacked the finances for purchasing the building materials. I also bought 2 goats with the remaining amount.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 USD)
access_time almost 4 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received a message on my phone in the afternoon. I was having my lunch when I heard my phone buzzing informing of an incoming message. When I checked the contents of the message, I realised I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I was instantly filled with a great joy since I would be able to complete my new house.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life 'is that through the transfer, I completed my project of building a new iron roofed house. It would have taken me months to finish this house had I not received this transfer. I had began the construction but due to lack of finances, it stalled for some months until I received my first transfer. I feel good living in my new iron roofed house because for the past years, I was living in a grass thatched house.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent a bigger portion of my first transfer on finishing a project of building a new house. I had began to build a decent house to live with my family but due to shortage of finances, I could not finish it. I purchased the remaining building materials which include iron sheets, nails and building poles after receiving the money. I also paid for the labour cost involved. I spent the remaining amount to buy foodstuffs and other household items like utensils.
Enrolled
access_time almost 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My ambition has been to build a spacious house for my family of six but due to financial challenges, this dream has not been realized. Currently, I am leaving in a cracked mud-walled house that has denied us our privacy. Receiving this money means fulfilling a long time desire. I am planning to spend part of transfer on house construction. The house will be enough to accommodate all of us and we will live a decent life.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is in the morning. Since this is anothealways calm and favorable for my work of burning charcoal. Unlike in the afternoon when it's too hot.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship is lack of a reliable source of income. I am a Charcoal vendor. This job is energy-draining and earns me 300 shillings per day. This is not enough to cater for all basic needs such as food and school fees.
