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
55000 KES ($477 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
We are still young both in our careers and in marriage life. I believe that we still have a long way to go. Thus at the moment, I would want to concentrate on the goals that we had already initiated.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am grateful and fulfilled that GiveDirectly was able to empower us economically. Everyone was treated with respect without any discrimination whatsoever. So far I have not been able to identify any gap in their line of duty.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My dream was for me to own a dairy cow, this dream was not possible due to financial constraints. My husband and I are young couples with so many tasks on our tables. Iam a secondary school teacher Thus I was unable to put to get her money at once to purchase a cow. This is because our source of income is not enough to cater for our daily expenses. Therefore I used KES 40,000 in buying two cows to cut the cost of milk and also as an assurance in case of need arises. Finally, I bought foodstuff with the remaining amount. GiveDirectly has transformed our lives in such a way that we cannot complain but rather appreciate the support humbly.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($489 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I spend most of my days at school because I am a teacher. One morning, I received a message notification at about 9 a.m. I checked my phone and was so surprised to see that I had received KES 55,000. I couldn't believe that I could finally meet my family's needs.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
It's amazing how much my life has progressed since receiving this cash transfer. Before, I struggled to meet my family's basic needs. I am a teacher, who earns just KES 8,000 a month. This amount is not enough to meet the basic needs of the three of us. This has led to frustrations in my life, as I struggled to find money so I can provide for my family.
I'm happy that this is no longer the case. I have paid off a few of the debts I had and bought enough food. Life is so much better.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
As a teacher who is employed by the school's Board of Directors, I only earn KES 8,000 a month. Sadly, this amount is not enough to cater for my family's living expenses, including food, shelter and clothing. This has led to the accumulation of debts. So I spent KES 15,000 to settle some of these. Since I live in an area that is prone to drought, I also spent KES 15,000 on buying a water tank so we can harvest some water. I then spent KES 20,000 on buying a heifer and KES 3,000 on foodstuff so we could have enough for ourselves.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
We recently left our parents to start our own home and it has not been easy for us with little to start with. I am a casual teacher in a nearby school earning approximately KES8000 a month while my husband has not been lucky to secure any job. We have built a small house with this little income but we got in before fully completing it. To be receiving this money means a decent house to live in. I planning to use KES40000 of my transfer to cement the floor and have a ceiling installed thus have it look beautiful. This will relieve thus the stress of its completion and give me a chance to plan for other investments.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I recently graduated and I currently teach in a nearby school as a BOM teacher. I am needed in school from 8AM-5PM meaning I am rarely with my family. To me evening is the happiest part of my day since this the time I am back home, relaxing and bonding with my daughter as we prepare to have our dinner.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
We are a young couple with one and half-year-old household. It was last year 2020 just a month after we had gotten into our household when my husband got sick with Malaria. We were not enrolled in the National Hospital Insurance Fund then thus we had to pay our bills in cash. This was the most challenging moment in my life since I had nothing, and my husband was in need situation. I found myself begging in my father's house for help.
