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
53075 KES ($524 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The difference in my life is that I have established my own home where I currently live peacefully unlike before when my wife used to bother me that shed needed her own home. I am also assured that my sons will be able to get places to build their houses when they grow up. I also bought a piece of land from the first transfer and now my life has changed in that I can do a lot of things at home such as farming my own piece of land, raising my poultry and looking after my cattle. Before GiveDirectly gave me money, all these were but mere dreams to me.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does well in transforming people's lives by giving them direct cash transfer on their mobile phones. This has helped a number of people who have benefited from the program to prioritize their areas of needs hence they have greatly improved their way of life. In contrary, there is nothing that GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my second transfer on building materials such as iron sheets, nails and timbers which I used to establish my own homestead. My income has been low since I only rely on casual labor to support my family. For a long time, I had been desiring to establish my own homestead in order to create an adequate space where my four sons would build their houses when they grow up. I am now relieved and have all the reasons to refocus on how to ensure that I raise money to educate them to level they can attain. In addition, I spent the rest of the transfer to transport all my property from my original residence to my new home built from GiveDirectly's transfers.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($546 USD)
access_time almost 6 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have my own land. I am no longer a squatter. I have a title deed.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
When I heard a message ringtone and checked,I read something like ''segovia'',I did not believe it and said to myself that maybe some white man was sending money to someone here in Kenya and might have missed a number. I relaxed for sometime to wait for a call telling me to reverse the money but the next message I received was from GiveDirectly telling me that I have received money from them. I was so excited. I was and still very happy. I have free cash,money I have not worked for.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer on buying land where I can build my own compound.We live in squatter land and I needed to have my own.
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a big change in my life because I shall start a business that will bring constant income to my family unlike the current unreliable casual labor.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am always happy in the morning when I wake up to a healthy body and able to go out and fend for my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship has been missing meals with young children whenever I go to seek for work in the farms and fail to get, yet the following day too offers no guarantee of securing them food.
