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 ($461 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
check
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
After utilizing the second transfer, I did not have any goal that I planned to accomplish. But one month down the line, I developed a replacement goal. This is after all the goats that I bought using the second transfer died. If I get some money, I will buy other goats to replace the ones that died so as to retain presence of GiveDirectly at my home.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly is a life-uplifting organization that empowers people to do what they desired for long but couldn't achieve due to lack of money. On my side, I was able to build a house using the first transfer. Initially, I was living in a small traditional house that could not serve my family well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When got and withdrew the second transfer, the goal was to construct a house which I did. This is because the one I had was leaking and collapsing. I figured out the cost of renovating and building a new one and saw that, building a new one would be cheaper than the repairs. I used KES 30000.00 in the construction of the new house. Thereafter, I bought five goats for KES 22500.00. The idea of buying the goats was to serve as an investment for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($506 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 930 when I heard a message tone from my mobile phone without wasting I opted to check. I couldn't believe my eyes o what I saw, it was the long-awaited Mpesa from Segiva Technology. The joy I had knew no bounds because I was certain my life would finally change gradually. A big appreciation to the GiveDirectly family for the huge support.
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 own a motorcycle which had been my long-time dream to purchase it but because of financial constraints, I couldn't afford it. My spouse has been the breadwinner and would depend on cause jobs as a source of income. On a good day, he could earn 3 USD. This could not sustain all our needs and most of the time we could go without food. However, after receiving the transfers, we had to settle for the motorcycle as a reliable asset that would permanently finish all the troubles in our lives. I am now happy because ever since we started the bodaboda business we have been earning kes 15 USD in a day. In few weeks to come, I am even planning to start a vegetable and fruits business from the profits. This will be an additional income and will enable us to fend our three children with ease.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying building poles, iron sheets, threads, anils, a door at a total of KES 250 USD. I had to buy these materials with the intention of building a new house becasue the current one was small and its condition was not good at all. Also, I gave the 40 USD as his labor cost. Also, I bought a new motorbike on credit at KES 150 USD and I will be paying the remaining amount in installments. With the remaining amount of money, I am using it buyng food and other household items like chairs and clothes.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
It is over three years now since I got married but I have never had a good house, comfortable for me and my children. I can now afford a smile knowing that when I receive this money I will be able to build a two roomed house with an iron roof to replace the grass thatched one. This will save me the stress especially with the leaking roof during the rainy season. The house will cost me approximately 300 USD. The old house will serve solely as a kitchen and this will make us avoid smoke while sleeping or relaxing.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I spend most of my time at home doing house chores. During the rainy season is when you will find me in the farm during the morning hours. The happiest part of my day is in the morning. Waking up healthy and strong is everything for me. This is because I can tackle the day's activities well and take care of my children as well.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I hail from a humble background. It was really a struggle growing up because getting basic needs and school fees was a problem. I am the second born in a family of 8. My dream was completing my studies, becoming a teacher and helping my younger siblings. I got support from a non governmental organisation inorder to complete my primary school studies. I got admission to a secondary school but my dream of completing my studies was never realized since my sponsership had ended after 8 years in primary school. I had no option but to think of something else about my life. I decided to get married. I am now a mother of 3.
