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 ($467 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My new goal is to purchase proper beddings for my children. This is because they are sleeping on the floor something that is not good for their health. They are constantly complaining of body pain every morning after waking up. In addition, I am planning to purchase small household utensils like dishes since the one we have been using is in a bad state.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in sending cash transfers directly to our phones. In addition, every household was enrolled into the program, without discrimination in terms of religion or even tribe. I do not see anything that it does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Owning a big and spacious semi-permanent house has always been my desire. After receiving my second transfer, I spent KES 45,000 to complete the construction of my 3-roomed house as well as putting up pillars to make it more stable. Previously, I was living in a small house that was not enough to fully accommodate our household properties. I spent the remaining amounts on food and acquiring clothes for my wife and the kids.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($498 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was 9 a.m. and as I was going about my daily duties, I heard a beep on my phone. On checking it, I could not believe my eyes. I had received the KES 55,000 that I had been promised. I was so delighted because I knew I could finally buy enough food for my wife and our unborn baby.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since I received this cash transfer, my life has transformed. I have fewer frustrations because I've finally been able to pay dowry to my in-laws after a long wait. Our household has enough food now. I don't have to worry about my wife and our unborn child going hungry. This gives me peace of mind and it's an amazing feeling.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
In my culture, honouring in-laws by paying dowry is essential. I had desired to do this for a long time but it made me sad that I could not afford to. I am a casual labourer at a hardware store earning KES 6,000 a month. I couldn't save up enough money.
This is why when I received this transfer, I used KES 20,000 on paying the bride price. I then spent KES 20,000 on construction and labour costs for the expansion of our house, which was too small. Lastly, I spent KES 10,000 on foodstuff such as maize, rice, beans. We must have sufficient food for the household since my wife and I are expecting our first child.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I dropped out of school in 2017 due to lack of school fees. I am a second born son from a polygamous family. My father had 4 wives of which my mother was the last wife and she was younger among the four wives, she was married at the time my father was old and tired . Due to that my mother had to be independent in everything this led me to cease going to school due to huge school arrears. As a breadwinner of the family I was forced to engage in casual jobs at nearby town of which I earn 200 Kenya shillings in a day, this is insufficient to meet daily basic need of 7. Receiving this money therefore, will be big help to me. I plan to use 40,000 Kenya shillings to construct my house because the one that i am in now is small given that I recently got married and my family will expand. I also plan to use 20000 Kenya shillings to clear school fees for my siblings because I don't want them to be like me, 15000 to purchase goats this will be for sale since they procreates so fast. The rest of the money, I plan to open a business of selling vegetables because it does well in this area.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning. When I wake up healthy together with my family gives me hope to face a new day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Dropping out of school is the biggest hardship I have faced in life. I do casual jobs of transporting people's goods in the market ,this is due to lower education level because I am sure if I was able to complete my studies I could be in a better place. I have been struggling for four years now feeding my family because my mother is old. GiveDirectly transfers will be a relief to me.
