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 ($468 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?
The thought of constructing a house and providing household foodstuff was almost impossible since we didn't have a stable inflow of income. I am so much grateful to Give directly for making all these happen in my household. We currently have a goal of looking for a project that can earn us income in the future.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Give directly does well by giving unconditional cash transfers hence the ability to improve the living standards of the poverty alleviated individuals in the community. However, I feel like Give directly left out some people during enrollment and will appreciate it if they look into it in the future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving the first cash transfer, I opted to first construct a house for my son which he can use to study and spend his night. With Kshs.25,000 I used to purchase all materials and also inclusive of labor. I am so grateful that the house is complete and my son is enjoying the conducive environment. I also bought a 500litres tank at Kshs.2,000 so that I can use it to fetch water during the rainy season hence will not walk far distances to fetch water. With Kshs.4,000 I bought a donkey which I can use to go and fetch water from the river since it is far from home especially during dry seasons.With the remaining amount, I used in buying furniture for my newly constructed houses, food, and other household items.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($496 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was alone in my house when I received a message from GiveDirectly. On checking and realizing that I had received the transfer I had been waiting for, I had to dash out trying to confirm from my immediate neighbors. Before moving even beyond my first gate, I heard celebrations from the immediate neighbors who had received the same news. I thanked God for this great support and with the plans, I had in place, I had to move out to withdraw as I needed to pick the construction work within the same week.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life after receiving the first transfer is the complete construction of two houses- the kitchen and the main house. Having a separate kitchen from the living room makes me feel good as this provided also enough space for my children to study in and sleep later every evening.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
It has been a long-suffering for me and my family living in a single old hut that had been leaking profusely on the roof whenever it rains. I had not been able to make any savings towards the construction work after straining all the resources I had back in 2012 when my husband who finally succumbed to cancer was in the hospital. Since then, coming back to my normal financial status had never been possible, and had to bear with the poor condition of my old hut. On receiving this transfer, I felt great that God finally answered my prayers. I managed to purchase 41 iron sheets enough to construct both the kitchen and the main house. Collecting all materials that included building poles, nails, and also frames consumed approximately KES40000. With the remaining amount, I managed to pay all the labor charges and also provide foodstuff for the labor force during the construction period. It is a great feeling to live in a warm house again after such a long time, and I thank God for the support from GiveDirectly.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have always wanted to own a better house ,an iron sheet roofed abode .As you can see I live in this grass thatched house .I cannot harvest clean water for drinking, I don't have a decent house to welcome visitors and church members when they come visiting,since I cook inside it emits alot of smoke,so it's not comfortable to stay inside . It has always been my desire to own a better house ,you could not have come at a better time like this,I am so excited.
I intend to build a house of 22 iron sheets ,I will also buy timber .It will cost me approximately USD 520. The rest of the money will go towards purchasing a dairy cow,I will always be seeing and knowing that I used the money to purchase it and for the foreseeable future it will benefit me and my family
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part is in the morning. I am a staunch christian, the word of God give me joy and happiness. Waking up each day healthy ,full of energy and vitality and having to look for day with hope and God grace is awesome. I don't take it for granted.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband got sick sometime in 2012. He was diagnosed with cancer of the leg .We used alot of resources to treat him because we were going to the hospital back and forth . He was diagnosed at a later stage when the disease had ravaged him ,it really weighed on me since I have had to fend for my family alone. Taking care of the family without anyone to assist you is a tall order . Life changed completely,it took me alot of time to get used to it . I have not done any meaningful development since then,even building a better housing as I had earlier told you has not been possible.
