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 ($517 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different in that I now have a new decent house to live in with my family. I also replaced my old beddings with new ones. I can now afford to sleep comfortably unlike before. Apart of from these, I also have some goats that I acquired through this money. They are assets that I can readily depend on in case of a financial need.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Our lives were poor and affording even the very basic needs was a big challenge to many of us. Accessing good shelters was just a dream to many of us. But after the coming of GiveDirectly, our lives changed. We have achieved what we thought we couldn't afford due to the financial hardships we were facing like educating our children, building new houses and owning livestock. I do not see anything that GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I had built a house using my first transfer. I had not fully paid for the labour cost. When I received my second transfer, I took KES 14000 to pay the mason for his job of constructing my new house. In addition to this, I also bought a new bed and a mattress worthy 12000 and replaced the old bedding that I have been using for a long time and they were old and worn out. I was also facing some financial hardships and even providing for my family was a real struggle. Thus I took part of the money to buy daily foodstuffs and also did some shopping for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($538 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my life is the new house that is currently underway. I am happy about this.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I saw the message when I woke up and I was happy to receive cash from GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent the first transfer that GiveDirectly sent me to buy building materials - iron sheets, nails and timber. I am currently building a new house. The one we have been living in is old and squeezed so I felt we needed a bigger and better one. The one I am now building has three rooms hence more spacious and enough for us all.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I will be able to build a better house for me and my family. I will also boost my kiosk business by adding more goods. This will help me earn more income and be able educate my children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning when I wake up. I plan my day's activities which helps me have a smooth day. I prepare my children for school, have breakfast with them and this makes me very happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship in my life is lack of a stable source of income. I am unable to pay school fees for my children and provide them with adequate basic needs such as food, decent clothing and good shelter.
