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 ($510 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?
After receiving the transfer our life has improved since I was able to clear my debts in a very short time without struggling. I am now debts free, something has reduced the burden of repaying my loan which has been making me spending sleepless nights thinking of how I will get the money I borrowed.Also, my kids will be sleeping comfortably and they will not be disturbed by maggots anymore after purchasing good beddings.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Sending us cash transfer is what GiveDireclty did Well, it enables every household to decide on how to use their transfers according to the challenges they struggle with.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had borrowed some money from my neighbor for the construction of a decent shelter for my family before I received my transfer since the one I owned had collapsed. I spent $ 200 to pay off the debt that owed to my neighbor. I also used $200 to purchase beddings including beds and mattresses for my family. This is because I was sleeping on the floor with my children using old sacks as beddings. My kids had maggots in their bodies for sleeping on the floor for such a long time. The remaining amount assisted me to purchase food and taking my 2 older boys for circumcision.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($494 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at work very early on that morning that I received the transfers. I work at hotel and we normally report early to work. At around 0630Hrs, I heard the message notification, and when I checked my messages, it was the Mpesa message. I was very very happy when I received the transfers.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now own livestock that I can rear and make profits out of.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfers to purchase two goats, I bought food and clothes for my children, and I also bought two beds and two mattresses. I am a single parent to my five children. I separated with my husband years ago and I came back home to my parents, where I live with my children. I bought goats with the hope that I can rear them so they can reproduce and produce profits for me in future either by selling them or in production of goat milk or goat meat.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
"My ambition has been to employ myself by starting a food kiosk business. This dream has never been fulfilled due to financial arrears. Receiving this money means fulfilling a long time desire. I am planning to spend 50,000 shillings on purchasing the items needed in the kiosk such us 4 chairs tables and utensils and also settle the rent for at least 3 months. This will be be a good source of income to my family of 6. Other than that ,I will use the extra amount to purchase at least at least 10 goats which will multiple by time and I will be able to sell them in future and educate my children who are still in primary school."
What is the happiest part of your day?
"The most happiest part of my day is in the morning. It is at this time when I normal wake up,finding my family fine gives me hope of facing the day with joy."
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
"Unemployment becomes my biggest hardship. I separated with my husband 10 years ago who was the one providing for my family. Since then life has never been the same again. I depend on casual jobs which earns me 150 shillings in a day and this is not enough to cater to my basic needs."
