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 ($421 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
A couple of years back, my house collapsed and afterwards I ended up moving in with my extended family so that I wouldn't be homeless. Therefore, when I received this money I was quite excited because I intended to use to and finally build myself of home. After retrieving the money I proceeded to buy about twenty four pieces of iron sheets, timber and a bunch of other building material which cost me over KES 30,000. I also spent KES 4,500 in buying a goat. I decided to use the balance I was left with to focus on nourishment because it was a constant predicament as a consequence of persistent drought.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I have nothing but praise and admiration for the organization and the help it has offered us so far. After being homeless for quite a long time I am glad that I finally have my own home and this was made possible by Give Directly.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I would really love to invest in my farm by purchasing a couple of animals preferably goods and poultry since they are affordable. Also, nutrition is definitely on my mind because as I had mentioned prior, it is a constant challenge that we have to endure since it barely rains which means we barely make any harvest.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($485 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer in constructing a decent house for my family by purchasing 21 iron sheets at KES 800 each, 40building poles, timbers, and nails. I also set aside some money for labor charges. This is because my house collapsed two years ago and I was forced to relocate my properties to my neighbor's house. For all those years, I have been missing my privacy and freedom since I was not comfortable in someone's house. With the remaining amount, I bought sufficient food for my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Waking up in a decent shelter for myself is the biggest difference in my daily life. Previously, I was seeking shelter from my neighbors where I lost my privacy. I am so grateful to GiveDirectly for the transfer that has restored my confidence in life.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was exactly 8:30 am when I was in my house resting before going to the forest to prepare charcoal for my customers. My helper come to the house to inform me that the other villagers had received the transfer and I should check my phone. I handed over my phone to him and after checking, he informed me that I had received my transfer like others in the village. I was so excited since it marks the end of seeking shelter from the neighbors after my house collapsed.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The challenge that I am currently facing is financial instability. This is because I am a charcoal burner, a job that earns me KES 300 per week. This income cannot fully support all my household expenses, I majorly use it on food only. This is what has hindered me from achieving my dream of owning a decent house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
2 months ago I received news about Givedirectly coming to my village. This made me very happy because I knew that very soon I will restore my dignity by building a decent house.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means restoring the dignity that I have lost for a long time. This is because I have been living in a grass hatched house which is almost falling. My plan is use KES 55000 to construct a two bedroom house so that I can live a decent life. I will further spend KES 20000 to buy a bed and mattress to avoid the cold floor. With the remaining amount, I will buy 10 goats that will act as a long-term investment project for my household.
