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
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 than how it would have been if I never received the transfers in that I have bought a Water tank for storing water for domestic use. Our area is a semi arid and getting water during the drought season is so hectic. I could walk for a long distance to collect clean water for drinking. It's also so costly to buy them from the vendors. We were all exposed to water related diseases because we could drink stagnant water. When I received the second transfer I found it wise to invest on water tank. Currently I have clean water which I collect from the rain and I no longer walk for that long distance like before. My children drink clean water, I no longer get stress up. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has enabled us get clean water and live free from waterborne related diseases.
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. 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 buying a water tank for storing water for domestic use. I also saved some money for school fees for my son who is yet to join form one this month. I am so grateful for the support because GiveDirectly has changed our living standard.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was getting ready to go milk my cows when my phone beeped twice. I asked myself who could have texted me twice then I remembered that it often happened that way when a safaricom message followed an MPESA message. On checking it was the GiveDirectly transfers and I was very very happy.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My son who is in college would have had to stay back home a little longer because of school fees if I had not received the transfer. This is because I would not have been able to raise school fees for the two of them at a go and the norm is usually one going to school first then another will follow. The calf that I also bought is an additional asset at my home. I must also thank GiveDirectly for we now have enough food.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I paid school fees for two of my children; one who is in college and another in primary school. I also bought a heifer and bought food for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
It means I will be able to buy more cattle for my family, currently I have 2cows that give 5 ltrs per day which my family consumes all of it so I need to add more cows to increase milk production for sale. For which I will be able to sale at sh 30 per ltr and make a good saving for my children school fees who are in primary school
What is the happiest part of your day?
Happiest part of the day is in the evening when all I am done with the days work.During the day I get so occupied with farm and house chores but in the evening I get to rest and talk with my family.Also at this time my family has eaten the evening meals and everyone is happy too
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship was when there was drought in this area, I Lost my only productive cow and live became very hard because my family depended on it entirely. Also the land could not produce anything because there was no rain. After the drought I sold the little maize I had harvested that season to buy another cow.
