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 almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have always had the zeal to start my own business to ensure I do not constantly depend on the casual jobs that I was doing, since I was employed to plough someone's farm and the income produced was not enough to provide for the family an I.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
This is a very positive project that ensures each and every person no matter the background is well catered for by receiving the monthly funds. Gratitude goes to the GiveDirectly company.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiveing KES 53150 came as a big relief of joy as the goals I had set were actualized. I spent KES 20000 by buying 5 sheep for raring. I was also able to spend a further KES 20000 to purchase second hand clothes which I started selling them to atleast enhance the income received. Having that farmer mentality, I spent KES 2000 to buy 4 chicken, KES 3000 to get a bag of maize for commercial and personal purpose. The remaining KES 6000, I got a chain link fence to build around the silo and the chicken house.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($489 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was resting at my home when at 9.19 a.m, I received a message notification. I checked my phone and saw that I had received KES 55,000 from GiveDirectly. I was so delighted because could finally buy a dairy cow for my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I feel so proud of myself when I look at our newly constructed one-bedroom house. Before receiving this cash transfer, I lived in a grass-thatched single-room house. It served as my living room, kitchen and bedroom. I wished that I could build a decent one, but I could not afford it due to financial instability. This transfer has however changed that. I am the owner of a spacious, modern house, and I could not be more grateful.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
As a family, we have had to buy milk every morning at KES 35 per litre. This is too costly for us, especially since I only earn about KES 2,000 a week as a trader when I'm lucky to make a sale. So I was pleased to spend KES 20,000 on buying a dairy cow that supplies us with milk. I then spent KES 34,700 on labour and construction material such as timber and iron sheets, for our new, more spacious house.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am recently married and just starting a family life. I still got a lot to do in terms of development since we just started recently. Top among this is building ourselves a better house since the one I have at the moment is too small and let in water when it rains. The roof is also so low and therefore it can be very hot when it is too sunny. I intend to build a two roomed timber house of 24 iron sheets , this will cost me approximately KES 40000. My plans is to use the extra money to buy a dairy cow.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am recently married and that has given me a lot of joy. We are living happily and carrying on with our lives. There has been a major change since I got married, it is so fulfilling, gratifying and makes me whole and complete. I am so happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I would say the greatest challenge is the lack of a decent house. It is not comfortable at all living in it. If not for water entering in it is too hot. It is uninhabitable at all. Its small nature also means there is not enough ventilation and the smoke also a nuisance lot.
