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 ($522 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
check
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent part of my second transfer on clearing a hospital bill for my spouse. I then bought several goats that cost me KES 10000. I later bought some timber at KES13000 with an intention to finish building the house I had started constructing a few months ago when I got my first transfer. I also paid school fees at KES 1200 for my two children who are in primary school. In addition to that, I bought sufficient foodstuff for my family with the remaining amount of money.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has really been of great help to our village. We now have permanent iron roofed housed unlike before when most of the houses they were grass thatched and mud-walled houses. They were in a very poor condition but for now, everything has totally changed. Secondly, in my village, no one owned livestock, but when we received the transfers, the majority of us have now bought livestock such as cows and goats. I do not see anything Give Directly is not doing well. Since they came into our lives, there is only a positive impact on the lives of people they visited.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now own a house. I have been longing to construct a big house but due to my financial status, I could not afford to do that. My previous house was in a very poor condition and whenever it rained, we couldn't sleep because of the leaking roof. My children too never had peace because they had to sleep at my neighbor's house which was very uncomfortable. But ever since I constructed this house, the problem is permanently solved. Apart from that, whenever they wanted to study, they found it hard because the house was not spacious enough and this negatively affected their academic performance. Their performance has now improved after I constructed this house because they can now study comfortably without any interference. I am so grateful to this organization because I am not where I used to be.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($546 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
attach_money
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I had started to build a house for my family to live in but it came to a halt after materials got depleted in the process and I could not raise enough money to continue with the construction. On receiving my first transfer, I purchased some building materials which included iron sheets, nails, timber for roofing and bought a door and fixed it. I am happy that my house is now complete and we have moved in happily with my family. In addition to this, I took a portion of the transfer and paid for a dowry for my wife. It has been long since I gave something in appreciation to my in-laws. The beddings that I was sleeping on were old and worn out and I could not enjoy a comfortable sleep. I replaced them with a new mattress and a wooden bed which to me I could not have afforded if it was to come from my little earnings. I spent the rest of the transfer to cater to my family's basic needs like clothing and food. Thanks to GiveDirectly for the transfer has enabled me to achieve this.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was woken by the message notification on my phone early in the morning. On checking to confirm who the sender was, to my surprise, the message was from GiveDirectly notifying me that my first transfer had been sent to my Mpesa account. I was filled with happiness and felt like I have been born again into a new life. I was thankful to God and to GiveDirectly for financial support.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that the transfer has enabled me to complete my house by purchasing some building materials that previously I could not afford due to inadequate finances. I am glad and satisfied for now I live in a new house comfortably with my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Raising children without a mother is a tough task to any man. Responsibilities are overwhelming, and the situation is even worse when there is no sustainable source of income. Balancing between work and family has been the biggest hardship in my life, and at some point I almost run into depression, was it not for the support from my parents, the story could be different now. I appreciate give directly for being our savior.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening. For us, having more that one meal a day is almost impossible. In most instances, I spend the entire day out there searching for food, and I always ensure I do not return empty-handed. It is very embarrassing to subject children to hunger the whole night.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Since I separated with my wife left seven years ago, things have been tough on our side. I've had to struggle Day-in day-out to meet the needs of my children. In most cases , I have been forced to leave them with my elderly mother so that I can fend for them outside the village. Receiving this money means my burden has been lessened, and I will be able to spend much time with my kids. Am planning to engage fully in livestock trade. For me this is the most viable business and the returns are real-time.