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 now different than it would have been in that I was able to construct a decent shelter for my family, unlike the other time that I could spend the whole night awake with my small children due to my leaking roof. Also, I was able to pay school fees for my children.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in sending me a cash transfer which improved my life since I was able to get proper shelter for my family. I don't see anything that it does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had a desire of acquiring a decent shelter for my family. After receiving my transfer, I prioritize building a new house. I spent it to purchase timber, building poles, and 22 iron sheets. This is because our previous house was very small and leaks during the rainy season. Also, I Invested the remaining amount in goat rearing by purchasing 2 goats so that I may have a reliable source of income whenever I face any challenge and I paid for my children who are in boarding school.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time almost 4 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was doing my house chores in the afternoon when I heard my phone ringing, informing me of a message. I checked the message and to my surprise, it was the message I have been anxiously waiting for. I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I had to stop working for sometime to celebrate the good news with my family.
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 am now in the process of building a new spacious iron roofed house. I was previously staying in a very small house that could not accommodate my children. They had to seek shelter elsewhere at night. I am thankful to GiveDirectly because I managed purchase enough building materials to facilitate this. It gives me peace since my children will no longer be sleeping out of my compound because they are still young.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying 32 pieces of iron sheets, building poles and nails to build a new spacious house. My previous house was very small and could not accommodate my children. They had to seek shelter from neighbours at night despite their young age. I now want to build a spacious house to live with my children. I am at peace because my children will no longer be troubled seeking shelter from the neighbours again. I spent the remaining amount on paying school fees for my children and also bought new school uniforms for them.
Enrolled
access_time almost 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a decent house for my family to live in and the ability to attend to my family needs such as paying school fees among other needs. My house too is very small and in bad condition. I'll use 300 dollars to construct a two room decent house. Additionally I'll use 200 dollars to cater for my children's school fees. I'll use a further 100 dollars to buy 3 goats for rearing. By doing all this I'll be at peace living a happy life.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is in the evening especially after closing my small business (selling liquor). After all the struggles especially confrotations with stubborn customers, this the time I use to rest and wait for another day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship in life is lack of a stable source of finances to cater for my household obligations like buying food for my family, living in a descent house and paying school fees. Being a divorcee and left with six children, putting a meal on the table for my kids, assuring my children a better shelter and paying school fees has been a nightmare.
