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 ($422 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 happy and contented with what I have accomplished thus far; therefore, I do not have money at the moment; however, if I receive funding in the future, I intend to expand my business in order to attract more profit that can sustain us financially; however, I intend to manage well the little that I have accomplished.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has made an incredible difference in our lives. Furthermore, the enrollment procedures were carried out transparently. We all received the unrestricted cash exactly as promised. Because our area is semi-arid, it is less productive; therefore, we are grateful for the financial assistance. So far, I have not observed any inefficiencies in the organization's operations.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
To make ends meet, I fetch water from the stream and sell it in the shopping center; I rely on the little money I make to support my eight children. My husband died a year ago, leaving me as the family's sole breadwinner. Life has been difficult for us because raising school fees for my children has been difficult. My earnings are insufficient to support my family. As a result, I decided to invest $200 in a dairy cow to reduce the cost of purchasing milk. I then used $110 to pay the arrears on my school fees. Finally, I spent the remaining funds on food and clothing. I am so grateful for the financial aid that brought so much happiness to our home.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($474 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 about 7a.m and had just woken up and went ahead and opened my phone. Immediately an MPESA message popped up confirming the first transfer from Givedirectly. I was excited about the news and planned on withdrawing the following day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the transformation I have witnessed in my household. I am happy that I have seen a lot happening with the first transfer and hoping to do more with my second transfer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
On receiving the first transfer I prioritized finishing a house that I had commenced but because of financial challenges, I was unable to complete it. With KES 20000 I spent in purchasing ceiling, installing doors, furniture, and ceiling board. I am glad my two-roomed house is fully complete and we are enjoying the big space we didn't have before. I also bought a heifer at KES 15,000 which is additional to my livestock and will provide us milk in the future. With KES 8500 I paid school fees for my son who is in secondary school and has just settled after the term opened and I am grateful since he will not be sent home. With the remaining amount, I bought maize and other household items.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Recently, I recovered from illness but I haven't gotten strong enough to be productive. I will therefore spend this money on buying a dairy cow that will help me to get the money that I need for my daily expenses. I will spend about KES 40,000 on this. I will then buy 4 bags of maize to stock for this year's food. With another KES 30,000, I will complete the construction of my house. I am happy that this money is coming at a time when I am recovering from serious stomach ulcers. I will be able to pick up the pieces after I was devastated by illness.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the last six months, I take delight in the fact that I have recovered from my illness. I battled stomach ulcers and over that period, my neighbours were very concerned and brought various forms of help and care. This made me happy and strong and it contributed greatly to my healing process. I thank God for restoring my health. I am gradually growing stronger and will soon be able to resume my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
School fees for my children are the biggest challenge that I currently face. I depend on making ropes and selling them to make about KES 200 per week. I also sell eggs, which gives me about KES 500 per week. I spend most of this money on foodstuffs for the household that requires approximately an equal amount to what I make. This means that I cannot raise school fees for the children on time.
