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
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Currently, my focus is on the completion of the building project I started using my second transfer. My modern timber-framed house is midway under construction and should be completed in a month.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has brought a lot of changes in our village. For instance, since receipt of the transfers people who didn't have dairy cows right now have bought dairy cows. Those who lived in grass-thatched grass houses are now living in Iron roofed houses. Those who were used to wearing tattered second-hand clothes are now well dressed with the latest fashion. I don't see any issue that GiveDirectly doesn't do well because wherever I go everyone is showering praises on GiveDirectly officers that they are disciplined.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have been living in my mud-walled house for over 50 years now and its Ironsheets have become old and worn out. So when the second transfer came, I used KES 50,000 of it on the purchase of timber and frames, and the remaining KES 5000 on transportation of the materials for the construction of a modern timber-framed house. This is because, at the age of 67, I no longer have the strength for smearing a mud-walled house. And now, I am happy and peaceful because this is something I never dreamt of but GiveDirectly has made it possible.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($486 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home when I heard my neighbors claiming that they had received their transfers from GiveDirectly. I immediately sent for my helper so that she would help me check my account balance since I would not be able to do so on my own. I became so happy when she informed me about the good news and immediately knew that I was destined to achieve my dreams despite my financial status.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that my family now has access to clean water at the doorstep. With this, I no longer get tired of walking for a long distance looking for clean water for domestic use. In addition, our clothes are always clean since we can do cleaning anytime we feel like. I will forever remain grateful to GiveDirectly for enabling me to have a well at my doorstep through the transfers.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 30000 digging a borehole after receiving my transfer. Before receiving it, I had planned to build a more decent house but decided otherwise since I considered having clean water at all times a necessity. I am glad that I no longer have to walk for a long-distance going to fetch water from my neighbor's well as it was so tiresome. Also, I spent around KES 10000 building a feeding area for my chicken since I want to venture into poultry farming and also bought enough foodstuffs and clothes using the remaining amount.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am growing old and engaging actively in better income-generating activities is becoming hard. I used to be a businesswoman at a young age a job that saw my children went to school. I am happy I managed though they were not able to join any college, I am sure they can stand on their own. I had wished that one day we could combine efforts with my children to build a good house for me. This never happened since they all got married and focused on their family needs living me in my old structure. Receiving this money means a dream come true. I am planning to use KES 50000 to build an iron-roofed decent house. I feel this is my priority since I am not expecting any other income and I need a good house. It is costly and tiresome repairing and maintaining my old grass-thatched house. With a new one, I will be left relaxed with peace of my mind enjoying the comfort of my home.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am Christian and I fully participate in our church activities. At my current age, I love spending time with friends, relatives and church members to avoid loneliness. In the last six months, my happiness is associated with the frequent church service we do in our houses twice a week. I feel encouraged and motivated every time I attend these services.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
It was last year August when my husband passed on. Though he never had formal employment, our combined efforts made my family life easier. He used to support us in our daily needs and ever since we lost him, I got the yoke in my neck. The biggest challenge I am currently facing is providing for my family as a widow with little resources we have.
