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.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Considering my house is crumbling on one side of the mad walls, I wish to construct a new one. Therefore, I deducted 8,250 KES from the latest transfers to acquire 11 pieces of iron sheets to implement the plan. I used the remaining amount, 750 KES, to buy food.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The transfers have given me a form of empowerment because ever since I lost my spouse some years back the finances became very hard and most times I have to rely on my daughter who does manual jobs from time to time to provide for both me and her but ever since the money came I managed to ensure I could afford a meal because at times I had to go to bed hungry and hopefully in the near future the funds will help me rebuild my house which has been long overdue so I am grateful.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
It has been quite sometime since our area received rainfall and so even farming has not been possible leading to starvation especially with my old age and my only job is sewing mats which at times sell but most times they do not and I would end sleeping hungry, so GiveDirectly helped me provide a meal with the first transfers and the second transfers will help me restore my home which I have wanted to for almost three years since it collapsed.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have not yet withdrawn the transfer because I have not been feeling well and so I decided to wait until I nursed my health back then I would continue with my plans of rebuilding my house so I wanted to buy timber which would cost me around KES 1000 because my house was made of mud and since the timber used in helping hold the house were old my house was almost collapsing, therefore I wanted to renovate. As for the rest of the money, I also wanted to buy iron sheets to restore the roofing to my house.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The message came in early in the morning at around nine, I was so happy I cannot even begin to explain it because the previous night I had gone to bed on an empty stomach due to the fact that I could not afford a meal, so imagine the joy I had receiving that message . I made sure the first thing I got was something to eat so that I could at least regain my energy.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
As for me the biggest and most relevant difference is the fact that I have managed to sustain myself especially when it comes to nutrition because sleeping hungry or rather starving is not something someone gets used to . Therefore I am very grateful for this program because I am a casual labourer who makes beds out of sisal, and with my old age I barely make enough of them and even if I did make enough, they do not go for much either.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The money that I received I managed to sort out my most basic needs which included acquiring food for myself since I was having issues with nourishment due to lack of finances. I bought eight bags of flour which went for eight hundred kenyan shillings accompanied with cooking oil, a quarter packet of sugar and lastly I bought soap which in general they cost ninety kenyan shillings and as of the rest I saved for a rainy day
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Living in rugged houses has become a norm for me. Every three years I happen to build a new house. The case would be different if I was able to build a long-lasting one. As I speak now, my house is leaking and the mud walls are eroded. Possessing a good and stronger house will be a priority upon the arrival of these transfers.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I suffered a strange sickness many years ago and receiving Christ was the best decision that I ever made. Every morning when I see a new day, it makes me happy to know that God has given me another chance to live.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My old age has its fair share of challenges. My little strength does not permit me to undertake heavy activities to generate income as I used to. I weave sisal reeds ropes for a living, besides depending on my sons. Because of financial instability, I cannot even afford good beddings let alone enough food.
