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 ($492 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?
It had always been my prayer that I would at one time own a capentry shop. I hadnot been able to achieve this due to lack of finances as the little money I usually earn from working was not even enough to cater for our daily basic needs. The transfers came in handy as it enabled me to purchase some tools needed in a capentry shop and I am glad that my dream has finally been realized.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well by giving out financial support and I do not see anything that they do not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 25000 from my transfer to purchase a piece of land from my neighbor as a way of investing the money. With this, I will be able to still feed my family for long using GiveDirectly's transfers through the proceeds from this farm. Also, I spent around KES 15,000 to buy some carpentry tools that I did not have. I am a carpenter and it had always been my dream to own my own shop and acquiriy this tools is a major step I made in life. Using the remaining amount, I bought food, clothes and some household necessities for my family.
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?
It was around 1pm while doing my painting job when I heard my message alert on my phone. On checking my phone, I was very happy because I realized it was GiveDirectly transfers.I immediately relayed the good news to my wife who was equally happy. I then joyfully completed my work and headed home and I decided to rest the next day from work.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is building a house which I had longed to build for the past three years but couldn't afford. I had tried to save towards the money but my efforts were always unfruitful because of too much needs. I am also happy because through the transfers I have been able to put latest clothing fashion which I couldn't afford. There is increased happiness in my house because my family is well fed and dressed more than before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 22,000 on building a modern two roomed semi permanent house with 24 Iron sheets. This is because before, I used to live in one roomed house which was quite tiny to accommodate my family. I also spent KES 10,000 on latest clothing fashion because before we could only afford second hand clothes. I have saved KES 17000 which I intend to use for purchase of a heifer because I dont have one yet and I normally buy two liters of milk a day.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
This money mean a lot to me because I have been wanting to build a house for long but the money I get from casual labour is not enough to save. It is only used for food and other current expenditures. Building the house is my first priority and buying a cow is the second. This is because we are currently buying milk from a neighbour.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is at 4pm when I have completed lending out my labour and have earn some wages. This is the time when I have arrived at home and we are together with my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced is failing to join high school due to lack of school fees. I am now hiring unskilled labour which fetch small amount of wages which is not enough for development such as buying a cow or building a house.
