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 almost 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 in that it has greatly improved since I started receiving my transfer. I was able to purchase oxen with my first transfer and bought ox-plough with this, I am hoping my farming will be uplifted. Also, I was just a house wife but now I am engaging in income generating activity, that is livestock rearing.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Givedirectly did so well for coming up with the unconditional and nonrefundable cash transfer. I don't see anything that it not doing well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to purchase bedding for my children they were using the old traditional beds and worn-out sacks as beddings which was not comfortable and they constant complain about backache. I also bought ox-plough because I had oxen but didn't have for the ox-plough. Furthermore, I purchased 3 goats and acquired food stock with the remaining amount.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was about 1330Hrs and I was just in the house. I heard a message come into my phone and when I checked the message, it was the Mpesa message for the transfers. I was very very happy when I saw the message.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now own cattle. I was also able to keep my children in school as I paid for their school fees. I am grateful to GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfers to purchase three cows and to pay school fees for my children. I am unemployed while my husband sells chicken feed. I bought these cows with the hope that they will reproduce in future and also bring back good returns in terms of sale of milk or beef. I can also be able to sell these cattle in exchange for some money, if need will ever arise.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I had a desire of starting a small shop in our village because people are moving at far distances looking for shops. This has never happened because I lack enough capital. When I receive the money I will use 50,000 shillings to start a small shop which will accommodate all the villagers and it will bring more income. I will also save the remaining amount to pay for my children's school fees when schools resume.
What is the happiest part of your day?
As a housewife, I usually do my daily duties during the day such as going to the farm and taking care of my children but in the evening I rest after a busy day, making it the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband works as an agronomist. Sometimes sales are very low he ends up coming with little income that is not sufficient for food as well as starting my business. Therefore lack of enough capital is the biggest hardship in my life.
