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.
How is your life currently different from how it was four months ago?
Currently, the biggest difference in the last four months is that GiveDirectly's transfer has come in handy since I have been able to get meals on a daily basis. I am glad that I haven't borrowed money nor slept without a meal so far despite the meager income from the casual jobs.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life for the next four months?
I do not have a new goal because I intend to complete the mission I started plastering the floor and put up the fixtures of my house. I believe this will earn me respect and dignity when it shall actualize unlike at the moment where everyone is looking down upon me.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life in the last four months preceding the current transfer.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have been able to buy building materials and plaster the floor of my house. I am glad that I will no longer have to incur the cost of smearing my house which is breathtaking. Before, I used to get worried and embarrassed when the floor was chipped and I had visitors. At the same time, the resources were limited therefore repairing this floor couldn't be a priority over my household basic needs. I am thankful to GiveDirectly for making this goal attainable with ease.
How do you expect your life to change in the next six months?
I expect my life to change in the next six months in that, I shall have saved enough money to facilitate the plastering process of my house. I will no longer incur the cost of smearing and use the savings on other developmental goals.
15th Payment
Transfer Amount
2280 KES ($23 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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The recipient was not asked any questions as part of this follow up.
12th Payment
Transfer Amount
2280 KES ($23 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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How is your life currently different from how it was four months ago?
My life is currently different from how it was four months ago because, l am now staying in steeldoor house which is more secured, compared to before when l was staying in house with wooded door, after spending give directly's transfer to buy steel door.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life for the next four months?
My additional planing is to add more cement and finish plastering my house.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life in the last four months preceding the current transfer.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that, since l started receiving this transfer, l have been have easy time of paying for my children school fee . I am staying in a house that is well secured with a steel door bought with GD money, l do need to worry of somebody breaking it.
How do you expect your life to change in the next six months?
In the next six months l expect to have completed plastering my house and staying in it.
8th Payment
Transfer Amount
2280 KES ($23 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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How is your life currently different from how it was four months ago?
My life is currently different from how it was four months ago in that I was able to by cement and paid a solar lantern easily.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life for the next four months?
My new goal is to build my son a house because currently he sleeps in my mother's house but I feel that he has become of age.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life in the last four months preceding the current transfer.
The biggest difference in my daily life in the last four months is that I take care of my needs easily without depending on my salary which normally come late. I realy appreciate.
How do you expect your life to change in the next six months?
I expect my life to change in the next six months in that I will have completed cementing my house hence there will be no dust in my house . I will have built my son a house too .
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
455 KES ($5 USD)
access_time 6 years ago
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Do you have any new goals that you didn't have before receiving the transfer?
My new goal is to buy cement which I intend to use in cementing my kitchen.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The difference in my daily life since I started receiving this transfer is eating well with my family.
How do you expect your life to change in the next six months?
In the next six months, I plan to pay school fees for my son in college and buy land where my sons can build their houses.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving this transfer is that I eat well and I have never lacked food like before.
Enrolled
access_time 6 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced is difficulty in paying school fees.I had three of my children in high school and with a salary of kshs 5000 per month,I could only qualify for a loan of Kshs 30,000 which was not enough for the three taking into account that all other basic needs were to be met.Life was not easy for four years as a result of that.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is usually in the morning when am back from night duty.My happiness comes from assisting my wife with household chores such as preparing children for school before I can go to bed after breakfast.
What are you planning to spend your transfer on?
My plan is to spend the transfer from give directly on completion of my house which I have struggled to put up from three years savings.Once my house is fully completed,I will construct another one for my son.
What is the achievement you are proudest of?
The achievement that am most proud of is building of an iron roofed house.Before that,I lived in a grass thatched house that was in bad condition and almost fell on us.From my 5000 kshs monthly salary as a school watchman,I bought iron sheets and constructed a new house.
