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 ($494 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?
For a very long time, I have wished to complete the construction of my house so that my family would stay in a comfortable house, but due to lack of finances I was not able to fulfil my dream. Through Givedirectly aids, I was able to complete the construction, and now I am happily living in a big and comfortable house with my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, I thank GiveDirectly for sending us unconditional cash transfers. This was done well in transparency way without any discrimination which enabled me to complete the Construction of my house something that I have never imagine doing very soon.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $300 of my transfer to complete the construction of my 2 roomed bricks house by purchasing cement and sand for plastering. This is because I had started the construction but in stopped due to lack of enough finances. I used half of the remaining amount to clear school fees for my 4 children who are in primary school and the other half I bought enough food stuffs for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($499 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I saw a Mpesa message on my phone at around 7 am. I was curious to know who could have sent me money early that morning. when I checked, I was overjoyed since it was from GiveDirectly. I thanked them for fulfilling their promise to us.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I had begun a project of building a permanent house but due to lack of financial resources, I could not finish it. When I received the transfer, I purchased the remaining materials which include coral blocks and cement to finish the construction. I also bought a new door and windows and fixed them. It would have taken a long time to finish this house had I not received the financial support. Thus finishing my new house is the biggest difference in my daily life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my first transfer on buying some building materials to finish a project of building a new house. I had begun this project before we were visited by GiveDirectly. However, it came to a halt when materials got depleted and I could not readily purchase any. Through this transfer, I bought coral blocks, cement and other materials to finish the construction. I also paid for the labour involved, purchased a door and windows. I am grateful to GiveDirectly because very soon I will be moving into my new house.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have not been able to finish up construction of my house due to lack of money. Receiving this money will help me complete the remaining work. This will cost 300 USD. I will then buy 3 goats at a cost of 30 USD each. Goats are easy to rear and they multiply very fast. This will help me pay school fees for my children when I sell a few once they have multiplied.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I arrive home late in the evening at around 8pm. This is after a very busy day. This is usually my happiest moment because I get to have family time which I value most. I take such times to bond well and encourage my children to work hard in their studies.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Depending on crop farming has let me down for long. This is because the climatic conditions in this region are not favourable. We experience prolonged drought whereas it is hard to get an alternative source of income. This forces me to look for casual jobs away from home. The casual jobs are not predictable and therefore I find myself at home most of the times. This has made me struggle a lot in providing for my children.
