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 ($530 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is much better unlike before receiving the transfers. I am really happy and at peace. Building a house has been a long time aspiration for me since I only own one small grass thatched hut. The financial state that I have been in has however hindered me from doing the same. When I received the transfers I decided to use them to build a three bedroom semi-permanent house. Seeing the house ready to be occupied gives me immeasurable joy. I am now in a position to collect clean rainwater from drinking through the cutters, we also sleep comfortably since the house is spacious and most importantly is welcoming visitors without feeling embarrassed.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does well through giving cash unconditionally. This has enabled people to do projects that they would not have otherwise. Unlike if they could dictate what people would do with the money. GiveDirectly should ensure that everybody should get the transfers so that there is equal development in all parts of a county.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent most parts of the transfers in finishing and furnishing a house that I had started building using the first transfer. I spent a total of KES 30,000 on putting a ceiling in the roof and on the walls, KES 12000 went towards buying furniture for that house, I bought a sofa set and tables. I also bought solar lamps worth KES 17000, this amount included the fees charged by the technician who installed them.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($535 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am very comfortable and happy. Having another house makes it easier for me to accommodate even visitors which was a bit hard before.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my money I felt very happy and woke up immediately and started prepairing on how to go and withdraw since I feared it might be stolen.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer to build an iron-roofed house since I had only one which served as a kitchen and a bedroom.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
God has indeed helped us a lot. Receiving this money means that we shall have (buy) our own cow and build a better house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is at the morning when sharing breakfast with my happy and healthy family. This gives me strength and motivation to handle the day's activities.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship we have faced in our family is inadequacy of farmland. We reside and till in about half an acre of land. Unfortunately, the small farm generates little produce that can hardly sustain us. Accordingly, we do not get any surplus which we could sell to get some money for our family use. Hence, the inadequacy of farmland serves as the biggest hardship we have faced in our family because we rely mainly on subsistence farming.
