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 ($443 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have a new goal which I did not have before receiving the cash transfer which is to start a business ( selling vegetables). I have come to realise that this business is so profitable and hopeful that it will transform my entire life in case I get the needed capital. This will be my additional source of income that will enable me to meet all my basic household needs timely.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did a splendid job by ensuring that every needy household was visited. Also, the fact that the cash transfer was sent directly to our Mpesa accounts stood out. Through, this, there were no cases of bribery or theft. Apart from that, the staffs were so humble and approachable. Therefore I do not see any part that the organisation did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying pieces of ironsheets at a total cost of KES 10000. This was for the renovation of my house because it was small, and its roof could leak terribly whenever it could rain. My properties were also damaged as a result and we could be rained on till the rains stop. This affected my children's health wise and we were in and out of the hospital. I am so happy and grateful because we are now living in a conducive environment and we no longer have to worry about the rains. Additionally, I bought two goats at a total of KES 7000. Once they multiply, they will be helpful, especially in paying fees for my kids which has been a challenge for me as the breadwinner. Also, I paid fees of KES 7000 for my three children in primary school and they are now studying peacefully without any interference. With the remaining amount, I bought food for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($475 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 6 am when I had just reached my place of work at a cafeteria where I work as a cook when I received a message on my phone. Upon checking it was the first transfer that we were promised by the GiveDirectly officers who came to our village. Seeing the huge sum of money I ululated and jumped up and down in happiness. This was the first time I get such an amount at once.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Initially, my life was a struggle. I used to toil so much to make ends meet and at some times my efforts could be futile. Sleeping on a poor bed was not giving me peace of mind but I am now happy for GiveDirectly for enabling me to have a nice and adorable shelter. In addition to that, used to live in the same house with my children thus my privacy was no more, but since the time I received the transfer, I am now constructing a bigger house and the small one will be for my children. By doing so, I feel my privacy will be restored.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I withdrew the money, I bought a modern bed and a mattress for KES 12000.00. I did this because I have been sleeping on a poor traditional bed with a torn mat. I also bought some building materials and started a construction project for my house because the one I had was very small and could not accommodate my family. The materials were only for the walls thus costing KES 23000.00. Thereafter, I bought some clothes for KES 2000.00 and some food for the family and kept the rest for roofing work.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means access to education for my children. I am a mother of four children. Two of them are currently in primary school while the other two are still young. My family depend on casual jobs like working in construction sites. These jobs are not reliable and earns me less than KES 2000 in a week. This money is not enough to take care of food and education for the children. Sometimes I feel sad when they are sent home due to lack of school fees. This makes me feel that the dream of seeing them transition to institutions of higher learning is at stake. My ambition is to be self employed. I intend to use the cash transfer to buy a sewing machine and cloth materials that will cost KES 20000. I will then build a stall near the road where I will make and sell clothes to the people in the village. This will help me earn some profit that I will save for my children education.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Last year in August, my relatives came to visit me. It had been a long period of time without seeing each other. In our culture, when a relative visits you, they carry a lot of goodies. We had a nice time hosting them since they stayed for a week as the culture dictates. We slaughtered two goats in celebration. What brought joy and happiness to me are the goodies they brought home. They gave me five hundred kilograms of flour that would sustained my family for three months. This helped in cutting cost and save some money for my children school fees.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Have you imagined having a family of four children without any source of a reliable income? This is the challenge that I am experiencing at the moment. I depend on casual jobs for my family survival. Getting these jobs in unpredictable. What makes life more difficult is the burden of responsibility I have for my children. It gives me sleepless nights when the children are sent back home due to lack of school fees. This is because the little income I get from the casual jobs is insufficient to save and meet the basic needs since all I get is solely used for food and other domestic use. My biggest dream has been to be financially independent. The cash transfers will be an opportunity to fulfill this dream I have had for many years. I am planning to make and sell clothes especially school uniforms which will generate income for my family.
