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 ($448 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 would love to put the knowledge that was imparted to me at Makina Technical and start and electrical shop. Wiring things for clients and making basic electrical repairs on appliances would put me on the path to more finances and thus change our life for the better.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I had always wanted to upgrade my house and now thanks to GiveDirectly, I was able to. GiveDirectly give their recipients a new lease on life, a chance to transparently and effectively utilise funds that are not a loan and make their dreams come true. All I would ask is that they continue as they are, helping as many people as possible, for as long as they can.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The transfers from GiveDirectly allowed me to build a 2 bedroom house, to replace my previously thatched house. I also included a verandah, which added to the appeal of the new home. We are three kids, all living together and of whom, two work ,while the third is in school. I am employed at a kibanda where I charge phones for $ 0.2 per phone and get $1 a day for lunch. Between the money I make and the little my brother makes at Ndarako, we were hard pressed as to how exactly we would manage to pay the $200 tuition fee for our youngest brother who is in Midoina Secondary School. That being said, the funds from GiveDirectly were used to pay his fee as well. Both my parents are still alive and till their 1 acre farm to grow maize and beans, for personal consumption as well as for sale if and when there is surplus. With no wife or kids, my immediate family were the only external beneficiaries of the transfers , which I also used to buy our food. GiveDirectly has been a blessing to me and my family in ways we will never be able to explain. Thank you.
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?
I felt so happy the moment I received money from GiveDirectly. I was attending a youth meeting when I saw a message from GiveDirectly. I took my time and later went to withdraw the money and put it into good use
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is the house that I built. I used to sleep on the floor but now have a mattress and my own house too. I am so grateful to GiveDirectly for enabling me realize this dream.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used all the money that I received from GiveDirectly to build a new house for myself. The house that I was staying in was that of my sister and due to the little income that I got from my casual work I could not be able to build one yet. I am so happy and grateful that I now have a place to call home and I can be able to think about other things of importance to me and my family.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a proper house for me. My house is small and the walls are almost falling off. I will use KES 30000 to build a better structure with two rooms and an iron sheet roof. The rest of my transfers will be invested in my brother's educational needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Last month, we rented our 4 acres of land to the pastoralists community who are now residing in our area. Last week we earned KES 1500 from that piece of land. This made me happy because I used that money to pay house rent for my brother who is in secondary school. This at least relieved the burden that I had of paying school fees and rent for him.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Being the first male kid in our family of 6 siblings, I assumed the role of guardian immediately after my parents passed away in the year 2010. This was the time I could plan for my future but I had to struggle to take care of my siblings. Up to date, I am not yet married since I lack the money to pay as dowry. Hence, I consider financial instability as the biggest challenge that I am currently facing in my life.
