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
55000 KES ($453 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?
We have a new household goal of saving from our monthly income to buy a dairy cow because the construction work we started with my husband with the second transfer is expected to be completed before the end of the year. I am currently teaching at a nearby school while my husband works as a casual laborer in Nairobi. We will gradually build our savings from our salaries with the goal of saving $0.5 per day on milk purchases once we buy a dairy cow that will, in turn provide us with milk.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did an excellent job in our village, which was unique in that we received an unconditional transfer, giving us the freedom to invest in a variety of ways. Our spending decisions encouraged us to ensure that we transformed our homes, and we have always been delighted to report via a phone call from GiveDirectly's office. This assistance met the majority of our needs, and we are grateful. I have nothing against GiveDirectly's approach because they did not bias it throughout the enrollment period.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Prior to receiving the second transfer, my family of four was living in a small kitchen with no space for my two children to play indoors. We had planned to build a new house, but we could not get started until we received funding from GiveDirectly. After receiving it, I purchased 25 iron sheets for $7.5 each, enough nails for $30, roofing frames and timber for $50, a door and two windows for $80, and labor for $60. Despite the fact that I have yet to repair the doors and windows, I am confident that we will be moving within the next two weeks. In addition, I spent $115 to purchase a large 3000 liter water tank, which has since been collecting clean rainwater. I used to walk two kilometers to get water from a public stream, which put a lot of strain on my injured leg. I was relieved when I received the tank because it reduced my daily workload and allowed my leg to heal.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($464 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 7:40 pm and I was preparing supper when I heard my phone ring and upon checking it was a message from GiveDirectly. I called my husband and shared the good news with him and he was equally very happy to hear that we had finally received the money as earlier promised. I later withdrew the money and we put it into good use. My family shall always be indebted for the support that we received from GiveDirectly.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
A lot has changed for the better since I started receiving payments from GiveDirectly. We did not have a decent house to call home but I now can say we are moving closer towards building one soon after we receive the second transfer. Furthermore, I now have a very comfortable mattress that allows me to rest comfortably after a hard day's work. Nowadays my mornings are great since I wake up feeling comfortable and very ready for the next day. I will always be indebted to GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used KES 42000 to purchase building materials and used a nother KES 4000 to purchase a mattress. The remaining amount was used to buy clothes and other basic household needs for my family. My husband worked as a casual in the city before and the amount of income that he got was hardly enough to make ends meet for us as a family. We could only hope that our financial fortunes and doors of breakthroughs opened for us to make such investments as building a better house. Our child shall now have a more decent place to call home courtesy of GiveDirectly transfers and we cannot be happier than we have ever been as a family.
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
We do not have the financial muscle to build a better and more spacious house for our family. Subsistent farming is the source of our daily bread which earns us about KES 10,000 monthly. All of this money goes to family basic needs and paying school fees for my daughter and this leaves us with nothing to build a better house. When I receive this money I will budget KES 80,000 to build a four-roomed permanent house for my family. With this, we will now have a humble time to engage in other family developmental activities. Food is also selling at exorbitant prices in our region making our way of life hard and stressful. I will consider spending the remaining money to stock food such as maize and beans for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My spouse bought us a cow in January with his little saving. This was a milestone for us as this will enable us to tap more income in the future through the sale of milk. Milk is also a nutritious meal for children and this guarantees my children good health in the future. This brought me joy and happiness.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I can not hold my breath from the struggle of providing food for my family of four. Farming in our area is a gamble now that maize is no longer productive. We are left to skip meals or even survive on less preferred foods.
