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 ($493 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?
I am leading a happier and more satisfying life after receiving the transfer. My self-esteem has improved a lot because we have a new and better kitchen. Also, we enjoy comfortable weddings and seats unlike before. Further, I am hopeful for a more prosperous future since I have an investment in form of livestock. Thanks GiveDirectly.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well by doing follow-ups to ensure recipients benefit from the transfer. In that regard, the program remains fruitful. I find nothing that GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent a substantial amount of my second transfer on building a new kitchen since the one we had was too small and dilapidated. Also, I used 170 USD on acquiring a cow to expand my herd as an investment to be used in the future once it matures and reproduces. Further, I utilized some amount on purchasing some furniture and beddings because the ones I had were inadequate and worn out. Unfortunately, due to my old age, I can't accurately remember the exact amounts of money I spent on each item.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time almost 4 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 2pm while in farm weeding maize is when I heard my phone ring and joyful shouts from all over my village. I gave the phone to my daughter in-law who confirmed that I had received the money and immediately prepared and went for my money in the nearest MoMo agent. I am also grateful to God for GiveDirectly because they have changed our lives.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is building a modern kitchen which I had desired for the past three past years. I am very glad because I am now relieved of stress because I have bought my own radio because there is no more sleep for old women like me. I am also excited because my house is now well lit unlike before when I used to rely on a smaller lighting system.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 40,000 on building a modern house and more spacious kitchen because initially I had an old, tiny and grass thatched leaking grass thatched roof. I also spent KES 10,000 and the rest on a solar lighting system and radio because I used to use a smaller lighting system.
Enrolled
access_time almost 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Dairy farming has been one of my passion ever since childhood. I love it because apart from milk being a good source of protein, it is also a good source of income for my family. I was one of the best dairy farmers in this village a couple of years ago, but East Coast Fever wiped out all my animals until I was left with none. This was the lowest point of my life and I was very disappointed and demoralized. I was left counting losses after 5 cows died. I now want to start all over again. I have plans of acquiring 2 quality Friesian cows each costing 40000 shillings. I believe this will be a good start towards reviving the once flourishing venture.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Morning is always the happiest part of my day. This is because God has allowed me to see yet another beautiful day and I am constantly happy for it.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Getting sufficient food for my family is one of the greatest challenges I am grappling with at the moment. Due to our advancing age, my husband and I are no longer productive and we rely on our children to send us money for upkeep. The money they send cannot sufficiently cater for all the basics and we sometimes have to go hungry. It is so unfortunate that this is happening to us at this time that we are getting old. Things are not that good for us and we only hope that it will get better going forward.
