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 ($473 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?
When I was enrolled in the program, my goal was to buy a motorcycle so that I can operate a taxi business of my own because I was then employed. I was able to achieve this and now, I have a new goal whereby I want to build a permanent house for my family to replace the muddy one that we live in.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Throughout enrollment until when I received my last transfer, the whole process was free and fair. What GiveDirectly does well is leaving us at liberty of spending the transfers because they believe that, we know what we want and we understand priority of our needs. Through this, I have been able to uplifting our living standards.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have been employed as a motorcycle rider for a long time and that is what I have been doing to provide for my family. Because I was earning an average commission of KES 300 per day, I was not able to do much for my family as I was only capable to cater for basic needs. My desire was to buy my own motorbike so that I can earn a better income. When I received my first transfer, I decided to buy a second hand motorbike which was being sold at KES 40000. I paid half of the money with part of my first transfer and I managed to clear the balance when I received my second transfer. I also spend KES 10000 to pay school fees for my children and the balance of KES 24700 to buy building materials. Since I'm nolonger employed, I will be able to raise money to build the house towards completion.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($474 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was early in the morning after I arrived at work when I received the cash transfer message. I was so happy because the reason I woke up early that morning to go to work was because we had run out of food that day and I needed something to put on the table for the family. It was such a big relief to me as I also know the money will aid in achieving other goals.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Right now my children sleep on a bed and mattress and they as well have enough clothes,I nolonger have Debts and am a land owner all thanks to GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I've been working in a quarry for quite a while and I averagely earn KES 1000 a week. This job is not reliable as sometimes we can go a whole month without a job and therefore I have to use the little that I have to buy food. I have not been able to buy bed and mattress for my children who sleep on the floor on cartons. Having two pairs of clothes has become a luxury as each of m to kids own one pair of clothes which has become torn due to regular washing. I spend KES 10500 to buy a bed and mattress for my children, KES 3000 to buy clothes for my children, KES 5000 to pay debts and the balance to buy as piece of land.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a source of wealth to my family. This is because I am a causal laborer working in the nearby quarry. This job is very tiresome and its income is as little as 400 KES per day. My plan once I receive this transfer is to spend 30000 KES to buy 10 ingenious goats. I will later sell them at a profit and save the money for the rainy season. I will further spend 30000 KES to renovate my house and add one more room so it can comfortably accommodate my family of six.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My supervisor blessed me with Christmas shopping during the festival time for standing as the best laborer. This made me happy because my family had a quantity of food during this time.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial struggles have weighed me down. This has been made worse by the kind of livelihood that I depend on. The little amount I get from my casual job is not enough to cater to all my needs. I have four children to feed, clothe, and educate.
