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 ($492 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
check
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different than how it would have been if I never received the transfers in that I have bought a Water tank. I used to walk for a long distance to collect clean water for drinking and also for domestic use. This was so tiresome and tedious. When I received the second transfer I found it wise to invest on buying a water tank. I no longer walk for that long distance like before. I have clean water for drinking and also for domestic use. We are no longer exposed to water related diseases which is so costly to treat. Givedirectly has changed our living standard to be much better.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion GiveDirectly does well by giving money to the poor in the community to build better houses and to buy water tank for storing water for domestic use. I do not find anything that GiveDirectly did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spend part of the money I received from GiveDirectly on purchasing a Water tank. I used to walk for a long distance to collect clean water. I also bought clothes, mattresses and food for the family. The rest of the money I bought two goats sna build a better kitchen house. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has changed our living standard.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was very very delighted and felt at peace in my heart. I told my husband and children and everyone was excited and mentioned what they wanted to be bought.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
This time, I have been able to plough land early like everyone else and planted maize in time, unlike before when I used to plant in February due to lack of money. Right now I am confident in welcoming a visitor since I have seats they can sit on. My children can also read at night and my house is well lighted since I bought the solar panel and bulbs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I bought beautiful seats for my house, 2 sheep and 2 goats. I also bought clothes for my children. I also bought a solar panel for my house since I was using a kerosene lamp.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Since I don't have a cow of my own, my ambition has always been to acquire one. This region is favourable for dairy cows since poor climatic condition has led to low harvest. I am planning to acquire a dairy cow of approximately Kenya shillings 25,000 in which we will use the milk for domestic use and sell the surplus earning us some money. Therefore receiving this money mean I will raise a healthy family and a dairy cow of our own.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening. This is because I spend most of my day looking after the cattle and working in our 2 acre piece of land where we have grown maize and sweet potatoes. I feel most relaxed as we chat with my family in the evening after the long day's activities.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship we have faced in life is poor climatic condition. Even though we have 2 acre piece of land, we have experience low yields for about a decade now because of poor climate. This has forced us to resort to an alternative source of income such as dairy farming yet we don't have cows of our own. Give Directly's entry into our region brings a sigh of relief.
