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 ($492 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
As one of GiveDirectly's recipients, a lot has really changed in my life since I received the first transfer. Comparing my current to the previous life before receiving the transfers, I am grateful that there are a lot of differences. I have managed to complete the construction of a new house, obtained a large water tank worth 24000KES that has saved me the cost of walking to and from the distant water source - it currently stores enough water for all our domestic uses. All these would not have been possible if I had not received the transfers, I am grateful and working hard to keep improving from where I am currently.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, every step taken by GiveDirectly right from picking the villages that they felt to be deserving the transfers to giving everyone a chance to choose how best to spend the money is a great job. We were given adequate education before enrollment that made us understood the intention and how best we could benefit once we receive the amount. Security information was well elaborated which minimized cases of theft and the reason everyone feels good about Givedirectly's work.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the ongoing construction I was doing, I was glad to receive the second transfer as this was set to complete the floors and all the interior parts of the new house. I needed enough cement, sand, and also gravel which took around 25000KES on purchase, and 5000KES went to the labor cost. I also spent part of the remaining on improving my livestock farming as I had to harvest and package the Boma Rhodes grass which also needed an experienced labor force. The Rhode grass has been so helpful to my cattle as it had been one of the best standover feeds I have had. I also obtained a Jersey calf to add to the herd and bought foodstuff with the small remaining amount.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
When I got the cash, I felt so happy. I knew these money would be so useful to me.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
With the generator I wouldn't have to worry when there is black out. I will continue doing business.
Water shortage is solved at our now I have enough water to use at home and for livestock.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My first transfers which I received from GiveDirectly, I spent KES 12000 on buying a heifer for rearing. I then spent KES 24000 on buying a 3000 liters water tank for storing harvested rain water. The remaining amount, I spent KES 6500 on buying cement for plastering the floor of my house and the rest kes 9000 on buying a second hand generator for using when there is blackout at video show room which I operate.
Enrolled
access_time almost 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a young adult who strives to enrich himself through dairy farming. As such, receiving this money means that my dream shall materialize. On attaining a certain level of wealth, I will marry. Currently, I find it difficult to marry since I may not afford to provide for my family. Besides, I am residing in a relatively large piece of land that my father purchased some years back. Also, I have sufficient grasses and nappier grass that I will use as animal feeds. So, the project will probably succeed.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I run a small video show business in a nearby center. I usually open my business at around midday. As such, the happiest part of my day is in the evening when I am returning home with some income. This suggests that in the future I will have accumulated some wealth.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
After completing my secondary school studies and excelling, I was interested in attaining a least a Diploma in a Banking and Finance career. Unfortunately, I dropped out of college after only a year due to a lack of fees. Accordingly, my dream shattered and I am currently focused on other business projects. Hence, the failure to pursue my studies beyond secondary school act as the biggest hardship I have faced in life.
