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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($490 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Life could have been bad and I could not managed to do the projects that I have done. All the projects I have done because I had money but if it were not from the support of Give directly, my life could have not changed.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion Give directly have done something good. I can say that, they have given me money directly in my phone without passing through some. This has enabled me plan with my money from the first to the last coin.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used this portion of money in building a house for myself.
I decided to build a house because the one I was in was not in a good condition.
The house I was in previously was made from grass and at times you find snakes in it. I could have been attacked by snakes that means my family's life could have been at risk.
I also bought a cow and a goat, I will sell them in future if they multiply and pay my bills with the cash.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($519 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was awakened by the loud vibration from my mobile phone. At first, I ignored it but then I became so curious and decided to check who it could be. On checking, I did not believe what I saw. It was an Mpesa message from GiveDiretly. I felt wow!
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now sleeping under a decent house. Previously I used to shelter in a small house that was in a bad state. I did not have enough money to renovate it and some of its walls were almost collapsing because of the rain. This forced us to seek shelter from relatives every rainy season. I opted to construct a new one because the coast of renovating it was the same as constructing a new one. I am extremely grateful now because after constructing it, I no longer worry about the rain and I feel much secured.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some building materials such as iron sheets, building poles, timber, and nails. This was for the construction of a new house because the previous one was in a hectic condition and almost falling. I then bought some chicken as the living assets that I can lean on just in case of any financial difficulties. The remaining amount I am using it in buying enough foodstuffs for my family and some other household needs.
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this transfer means constructing a better house for family. My current single roomed house can accommodate our family of 4 but as time goes by it won't be possible. I believe I'll get more kids and as they grow they cannot share the same room with us. This will save me the shame of having them seek shelter in other people's houses. Besides, this house is made of 'makuti' thatch made of coconut reeds and they are prone to termites. I have to change them twice a year to avoid a leaking roof but all is in vain.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening after a tiresome day of household chores. As I rest I always thank God for his protection and giving me a fruitful day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Our financial status is so unstable that it cannot sustain us fully. My husband studies and works part time as a casual labourer. This means he does not have enough money to provide for us. At some point I tried a snacks business to supplement our income but it failed due to lack of enough capital. Therefore, I have left the entire burden on him and it is quite a hustle for us to get the basic needs especially food.
