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
55000 KES ($436 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am looking forward to starting a business where I sell groceries at the comfort of my home so that I could take care of the day to day needs of my family. Nutrition is also definitely a top priority since we are experiencing drought at the moment.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I have nothing but praise when it comes to Givedirectly especially since the money enabled me to settle the debts in tuition that my daughter had and she was finally able to graduate from high school which makes me quite happy and proud.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have always wanted to build a home for me and my family since the one we lived in was quite small and old.
lucky for me the first transfers enabled me to begin the construction to my house but unfortunately the funds ended when I still was not done. Therefore as soon as I received the second transaction I proceeded to buy about eight pieces iron sheets and timber which cost me over KES 10,000. Afterwards I proceeded to spend KES 35,000 on paying tuition for my daughter since she was about to finish high school. Meanwhile I proceeded to use the remaining funds on nourishment.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($470 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 9 AM when I was preparing breakfast for my family when I heard my phone vibrating so loud. I requested my daughter to confirm who had sent the message at such an hour because it was quite unusual. To our surprise, she confirmed that it was from GiveDirectly informing me that Ib had received my first cash transfer. I was so happy and felt like it was a dream. We started the celebrations and without wasting time, the planning kicked off on how perfect we could utilize the cash.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have a dairy cow that I am currently rearing. This has been my long-time dream but because of the financial constraints that I was experiencing, I could not achieve this. I however resolved for the cow because the climatic condition is favorable for their stay moreover they are considered to be the most valuable living asset one can have. Being a single parent of two kids who solely depend on small businesses which are not lucrative, has been tough all along . Therefore, I am certain that the cow will be of great relief to my entire family. First, in a few months to come, the cow will produce milk and I will be in a position to sell a few liters to friends and neighbors. Also, the remaining amount will be for my family's consumption, which will serve as a surplus for their daily meals. I am hopeful that once the business grows, I will be able to provide for my family without straining like before whereby my children could stay at home because of the fees arrears. I am so grateful that these problems shall soon come to an end.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying livestock more so a dairy cow at KES 18000. I have been longing to own it for quite some time but I couldn't afford it at my own cost. Therefore after receiving the cash, this has to be a priority and I am glad that I achieved it. To add to that, I cleared school fees of KES 20000 for my daughter who had finished her secondary school education recently. I am glad that she will soon proceed with further studies. I also boosted my business of selling vegetables in the village which has been my main source of income. With the remaining amount of money for my two family members and other household items.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My dream is to sleep in a very cool environment, currently I use my house as kitchen and I can say my sleep is difficult; i feel very hot at night, and I breathe bad air too, which I feel unsafe for me.
Upon receiving my first transfer of 55,000 KSH I plan to buy myself a good strong wooden bed and a new mattresses together with sheets and pillows, this will cost around 30000 KSH. The rest of the transfer, I plan to buy a cow and some few goats, that will cost around 20000 KSH, and I will use the balance of 5000 KSH to buy a good stock of food for myself.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My daughter has been unwell for over six months ago, I nursed her and fed her and threw months ago, she showed great improvements, I Thank God for everything.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Am living alone and don't depend on anyone, for all my basic needs, I work as a charcoal burner and offlate we don't get customers to buy our products.
I have challenges providing food for myself and most days I sleep hungry. Or have to borrow from my brother.
Another challenge is buying beddings for my self, every night is a night mare to me,I sleep on mats on the ground and I wake up so uncomfortable.
Thanks to Givedirectly all this sufferings are coming to an end.
