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 ($442 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have a new goal that I have been thinking of lately which is to start a business (retail shop). I am currently jobless and it has never been easy for my spouse to raise our three children singlehandedly. I am therefore optimistic that once I'll get the capital and open the business, it will be much easier to fend for my family without struggling.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did a great job by changing our lives positively. The idea of helping us financially was the most outstanding one because it has empowered us enough to fulfil our dreams. A better percentage of us (99%) now have beautiful houses and livestock, we were also able to send our children to school. I, therefore, can't point out an area that needs a change.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on paying school fees of KES 15000 for my three children who are in grade three. They have been staying home for a while because of the arrears and I was so worried about their return to school since I did not have even a single coin. Therefore upon receiving the cash this had to be a priority and I am so happy that they resumed their studies. I also bought two goats worthy of KES 10000. These will serve as reliable assets that will even empower me to pay fees for my children once they transition to secondary schools. With the remaining amount of money, I have been buying foodstuffs for my family and other household needs like utensils, and furniture among others.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($475 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had gone to fetch water from my neighborhood and I heard my phone vibrate. Upon checking it was an MPESA message confirming a receipt of my first transfer from Give directly. I was super excited and celebrated with my family that morning since it was going to transform our household.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the transformation that has so far happened in my household. I am grateful for this support since it has improved my standard of living a lot.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 20,000 to build a two roomed house. We use to stay in a single room with my five family members which did not give us privacy as parents. We are happy now since we have our room to call a bedroom. I also bought two goats at KES 10,000 thus an addition to my livestock and can also sell when I have an emergency. I purchased a bed and a mattress with KES 13,000 since we had old ones which were tattered. With KES 10,000 I used to add stock to my general shop business. I am happy since the shop is at the moment doing well with an improved profit margin after stocking. The remaining amount, I used in purchasing food for my family.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I aspire to build a big house when I receive the transfers. The love of my life owns a kiosk in the trading center and in each day he affords to collect an insignificant amount of money that is not sufficient to feed, educate and save to erect a spacious structure. I, therefore, intend to use eighty thousand Kenya shillings to construct a three-bedroom semi-permanent house and thirty thousand to add stock to my hubby business so that we can collect more money that will enable us to meet the household basic needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Early this year I traveled to see my father whom we had so many years since we meet. He forbid me from visiting home after I got married to the tribe that he didn't prefer me to associate with. I felt joy when he set aside all his differences and blessed our union.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am a mother of three. My hubby possesses a kiosk business that barely sustains our basic needs. As a wife, I cant work to help since I had a couple of cesarean sections when I gave birth to my kids. The cesarean scar has been reoccurring after six years mostly in cold weather which has hindered me from working. It was my goal to work to assist my partner in taking care of our family but it has remained a nightmare. I feel sad to see him struggling with something that I could handle when I am in good physical condition.
