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 ($493 USD)
access_time almost 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 than it would have been if I did not receive my transfer in that, I was able to purchase a piece of land for my family, I am planning to develop it into a firm. Previously, I use to lease a farm from my neighbours which I was paying $ 10 during the harvesting period. I also started livestock rearing with my transfer this is my future investment for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Givedirectly did something good for sending as transfer which has enabled me to acquire a land and proper shelter for my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my second transfer to finish off the construction of my house by purchasing timber, nails, 15 iron sheets for $160, and spend 80 dollars to pay for labor charges. This is because I did have enough money to purchase the roofing material need. Also, I purchased comfortable beddings for myself, previously, I use to sleep on a traditional bed without any beddings. The remaining amount I paid school fees for my child who is in class 5.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was heading to the dam with one of my relatives then my phone started vibrating. Without wasting time, I decided to check who might have sent a message at that particular hour. On checking, I confirmed it was an Mpesa message from GveDirectky. They had finally debited the first transfers as promised during the enrolment. I felt so happy and I even went back home and started planning on how best I could spend it
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Having my own piece of land makes the biggest difference in my daily life. This is because for all those years we have been staying in my father-in-law's compound in short in was a family plot. Therefore there was insufficient space even for us to practice any kind of agriculture. Due to that, I had to lease my friend's farms every planting season and it very expensive. Sometimes I could not even afford it which means that in that particular season I wouldn't harvest. I am now glad because the money that I have been using in leasing my friend's farms I will save it and cater to some other household needs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some bedding such as a wooden bed and a mattress at KES 9000. This was to replace the old mats to replace the old traditional bed that I have been using for all those years. I later bought a piece of land at KES 30000. This will especially for my agricultural activities since, for all those years, I have been leasing those of friends., Also, I cleared the school fees for my children who are in secondary and primary school. With the reming amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for my children
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My house looks new from the outside but its roof is just braving the strong winds of our area since the nails rusted and they can not fully hold the iron sheets to the poles, something that has worried me for a long time. I have wished to repair the roof but due to the financial crisis, this has never come through. My plan once I receive this money is to spend utmost 350 dollars to repair my house to make it strong and this will make me enjoy my nights. On the other hand, I plan to buy 7 goats at 35 dollars each to start livestock keeping that can help me sort my needs in the future, and this will change my life for the better.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The evening is the happiest part of my day because it is at this time when I get maximum time to relax from my tiresome day's activities. Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours which I spend them doing farm work, fetching water, and cooking; activities which drain much of my energy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
As a housewife, I depend most on my husband who is working as a casual laborer at Mombasa. His income is always low and his support has never been consistent. This has forced us to skip meals on some days or to borrow from my relatives something that does not give me peace of mind due to the shame I usually feel. Therefore, the lack of a stable source of income has been the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life.
