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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($405 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am filled with contentment and satisfaction for all that I have achieved thus far. However, due to the lack of funds, it has become increasingly challenging to make plans for the upcoming year. Despite these challenges, I am forever grateful for the funds that transformed my living standards. The impact of those funds was immense, and it has enabled me to achieve so much.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I was thoroughly impressed by the flawless operation of the organization, from the moment I enrolled to the final stages of their services. The team treated us with the utmost dignity and respect, making us feel valued and heard throughout the process. It was evident from the beginning that they were dedicated to providing the best possible services to us. I appreciated the fact that my opinions and feedback were taken into consideration and acted upon. It made me feel like an important part of the process, and I had confidence that the organization was truly invested in our well-being. It was clear that they were committed to delivering top-notch services, and they did not disappoint.
Overall, my experience with the organization was excellent. I have nothing but the utmost gratitude and respect for the organization and its staff.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received money from GiveDirectly, it was a dream come true. As a widow and a mother of eight children, financial constraints left me unable to pursue my goals. I used to sell cereal for a living, but as I grew older, it became increasingly difficult to keep up with the demands of my business. Farming was my only source of income, but it was barely enough to make ends meet. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I was able to build the iron sheet roof house that I had always dreamed of. My old grass-thatched house was no longer sustainable, and the $400 I received from GiveDirectly helped me construct a new house. I spent the remaining money on foodstuffs, and it was a huge relief not to have to worry about where my family's next meal would come from. The impact of the cash transfer on my life was immense, and I will forever be grateful to GiveDirectly for their generosity. It enabled me to fulfill my dreams and provided me and my children with a more comfortable life.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The day I received my transfer is still fresh in my mind; I recall it being in the afternoon when I was relaxing at home after lunch. Then I heard a loud buzzing sound coming from my phone. When I checked, I discovered that I had received funds from GiveDirectly. Words alone cannot express my overwhelming joy. This is because I knew I'd be able to complete my tasks in real-time.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference now is that I was able to start a house that I was unable to start before due to a lack of funds. Secondly, I stocked enough foodstuffs in the house, which means that I will no longer bother my children daily about what I am supposed to eat. I will be eternally grateful to GiveDirectly for the incredible gift that changed my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My greatest desire was to build a decent house for my family, but due to unreliable sources of funding, this was a difficult task. I used to sell cereals at our local market, but I'm no longer as energetic as I once was due to old age, so I rely on my children for help. Except for my youngest son, with whom we still live, my children have all grown apart. As a result, I resolved to build a $310 house. This is because my previous house was old and grass-thatched. This was previously not possible due to financial constraints. Finally, I spent the remainder of my money on food. I am overjoyed and satisfied to have accomplished so much in such a short period.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have been doing casual jobs such as weeding on people's farms to earn a living. This job is energy-draining and it pays as little as KES 100 a day. At 64 years of age, I feel like putting a stop to such work and switching to another that befits an old woman like myself. I have the desire to buy a dairy cow that will produce 5-6 liters a day which I will sell locally at KES 60 for every liter. This will earn me better and restore the dignity that I have lost by doing odd jobs
What is the happiest part of your day?
Three days ago I went to church and the pastor was preaching about hope. He told the congregation that no matter the amount of frustration you are going through, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. In the morning of that day, I was full of thoughts wondering where my next meal will come from but the power of that sermon made me happy
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is the biggest challenge that my family is grappling with at the moment. At 64 years I depend on casual jobs like going to people's farms to do odd jobs like weeding to earn a living. I own a 0.3-acre farm which is too small for any meaningful agricultural activity. This has forced me to depend on casual jobs ever since I got married in the year 1977. At this point, I have no strength left to do these jobs because of age and the back aches that I experience due to many years of bending while working. My husband passed on in the year 2010 and since then I have no one to help me. Nowadays I prefer skipping lunch in order for my family to have sufficient food to eat for supper