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 ($479 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Being a crop and dairy farmer, I decided to indulge more in dairy farming which allow me to earn extra income. My new goal is to add a dairy cow which I can sell milk to cater to school fees.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Givedirectly did well by promoting equality in terms of enrollment and distribution of funds. Every household was able to boost their way of living. We appreciate the kind officers who took us through the entire enrollment stages. I do not have anything negative about Givedirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receipt of my second transfer, finishing a house that we had started with our first transfer was on top of my to-do list. I spent KES 36,000 on purchasing iron sheets and also blast. With KES 19,000 I spent in paying for labor for the house. I am grateful that the house is almost complete and I thank Givedirectly for the support .
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I woke up around 8am in the morning and while checking my phone I had received an Mpesa notification.On checking, I confirmed to have received KES55000 from GiveDirectly overnight and I was very grateful.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving the transfers is building a modern brickwalled kitchen house within the shortest time possible. I normally rely on my teaching salary to cater for my family's needs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I topped up my transfer and used it in building a two roomed brick walled kitchen to replace the old kitchen which was old and worn out because it was build over two decades ago.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
We have been cooking in a grass thatched kitchen built in 1994 which is in a deplorable state because it is very old. It is filled with soot strands, hanging precariously and whenever I receive visitors, I feel ashamed when they visit my kitchen yet I am a respectable teacher in a nearby school. I intend to spend an estimate of KES 100,000 of my transfer to build a better one to take away the shame that I normally feel. I was overjoyed when I learned that GiveDirectly was coming to our village because I knew that soon my fears will be of the past. Therefore, receiving this money means an improved housing for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have 2 twins (a boy and a girl) who completed their University studies 2 weeks ago and this has been the joy of my life. I used to spend approximately KES 280,000 annually on both at their disposal and now I feel relieved because they have completed their studies. My burden has been lessened and at least I can save some cash for other domestic use.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
A prolonged period of drought has been the biggest challenge we are currently facing. We receive minimal rainfall during the year and it has reduced our crop production. As farmers, we rely on rainfall to grow food for consumption and water for both domestic and animal use. I have 0.7 acres of land which I have grown maize for domestic consumption which is not enough to sustain the entire family of 6 for a year. We normally harvest approximately 3 bags which is hardly enough. We are forced to buy at least 4 more bags at KES 3,200 per bag to take us for the rest of the year which is costly.
