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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($520 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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The recipient was not asked any questions as part of this follow up.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($544 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent the transfer on purchasing a bull. My aim of purchasing a bull is to get another bull so as they can make a pair that will be helping me in ploughing my farm. Having them means I will no longer be hiring from other people during planting season instead I will be hiring to them out. Apart from this, I purchased building materials such as poles and nails in order to construct a new spacious house that can accommodate my family well because the house I am currently living in is small and my children have to seek shelter from our neighbour at night. I also spent part of the transfer on replacing the old bedding by buying new ones. I am now using a new wooden bed and a mattress unlike before when I was sleeping on a mat. At least I can now enjoy a comfortable sleep unlike before the transfers. I used the remaining portion of the transfer to buy food for my family and meet other family needs.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was woken up by a message notification on my phone early in the morning. I went through the message and its contents and for sure, surprised me. I could not believe at first that it was from GiveDirectly. I read it again and I was instantly filled with happiness when I confirmed that it was real. For sure GiveDirectly had honoured their promise to me by sending the transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I was previously sleeping on an old traditional bed with mats which were not comfortable at all. Through the transfer from GiveDirectly, I was able to acquire a new wooden bed and a mattress to replace the old bedding. I now sleep comfortably unlike before the transfers. To me, this is the biggest difference in the daily life I have because of GiveDirectly transfers.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial constraint is my biggest hardship due the lack of a stable source of income. I depend on subsistence farming to provide food for my family, but is not enough due to poor rainfall and unproductive land. In order to make ends meet, my husband works as a fisherman in the nearest Nzovuni River. He makes around 300 shillings in a good day but it not consistent due to climatic changes. In this regard, it is very difficult to finance my children's educational, clothing, shelter and medical needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am mostly happy in the morning after taking breakfast. This is because I get enough energy to carry out my farm activities. Although it is tiresome, I enjoy doing it in order to provide for my children.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I never went to school, something which makes me feel insignificant in the society. This was due to poverty after the death of my parents who left us with no property. My greatest ambition is to educate my children because I do not want generational illiteracy in the family. Once they are educated, they will be able to explore better job opportunities thus pull the family out of poverty. Therefore, this transfer means a lot to me as I will be able to purchase goats and oxen. I will use the oxen to scale up farming and also hire them at a fee to generate income. This income will cater for my children's educational needs at the primary level since it is not so expensive. I will sell the goats in future to finance their higher education.
