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 ($491 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?
My life is different now, in that I have a decent house, I can now comfortably welcome my visitors and neighbours unlike before where I could not afford to build a house because of our poor economical status, I will forever be grateful for the big gesture GiveDirectly has shown us.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
My opinion is that GiveDirectly does well its work, I cannot pinpoint anything that they are not doing well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I come from a poor background meaning that I could not afford a decent house because of our financial status, when I received my transfer I improved my house by cementing it, this was my major priority and I am glad I accomplished it.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 USD)
access_time almost 4 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I still remember that day vividly. It was on the 17th a thursday afternoon when I was just from my farm. While cooking lunch, I heard a message alert on my phone, and upon checking it I was filled with tears of joy because I have never received such a lump sum the whole of my life. On relaying the good news to my kids they started jumping up and down for joy. That day we ate our lunch joyfully and withdrew the money the same day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is owning a dairy cow which I had desired for the past twenty years but couldn't. The dairy cow will be a long term investment because it will not only be a source of milk and income for my family. Through the GiveDirectly transfers, I no longer sleep hungry because I have bought adequate food enough to sustain for my family. This has led to increased happiness and motivation to work harder. I am grateful my family is decently dressed with clothes which couldn't afford before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 22,000 on a heifer because it will be a source of milk and income for my family in the near future. Initially, I had only one dairy cow which would become unreliable especially during it's dry spell. I also spent KES 8000 on painting the roof of my house which was old and covered with rust and was built twenty years ago. I also spent KES 11,000 on the latest clothing fashion which are more decent than the second hand clothes we could only afford. I have also saved KES 10,000 towards buying a own clothing and sheep which will aid in school fees payment in the near future. I am very happy and grateful to GiveDirectly may God bless you.
Enrolled
access_time almost 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money a lot to us as a family! Currently I only have one dairy cow and the amount of milk it produces is hardly enough to make ends meet for the family right now. We can only feed the family for the day as we hope for a better days ahead. With this money, I will be able to have an additional dairy cow to make the cost of living much more affordable for us. I also intend to start rearing sheep that will help me in times of emergency financial needs. If I will have some amount remaining then I intend to support one of my children who is in college.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is anytime of the day whenever we have enough food for the family and all of us are in perfect health. I am more happy whenever I have my children in school having cleared their school fee in time.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship that I have faced in my life is relying entirely on casual labour to raise my family. There are times we have had to sleep hungry as a family whenever I did not find any casual job to do. Things were tough but with time I have been able to improve and have a better living standard for my family. We hope to even see better days ahead with the aid that GiveDirectly has come with.
