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 ($519 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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The recipient was not asked any questions as part of this follow up.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($541 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now have a better spacious house. I was staying in a house that was just meant to be a kitchen. It was small, and staying inside was not very comfortable as it was not in very good condition too. I was in a pity situation given that, that was what my son could offer me, at least, for shelter. Daily I have a place to call home, a house to call my own. Just through GD transfers. What else can I ask for?
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
That morning I was in my shamba weeding and I heard my phone vibrate, I asked my son who helped me confirm that I had received money from GiveDirectly.I was very happy and overwhelmed with joy. It has never crossed my mind that one day in my life I would receive such a big amount of money.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer to purchase iron sheets, nails and other building materials to construct a new house. I no longer had a house of my own after the one I built collapsed many years back, and I was not in a position to build a new one ever since, because I had no money to accomplish this. I could sought shelter from my son who had built a small house which was meant to be a kitchen. This was quite embarrassing. Through the transfer, I now own a house and shelter is no longer a problem for me. I also owed my neighbour some money he lent me during an emergency which I was unable to repay him since I didn't have a good source of income. It was through this transfer that I was able to pay back the debt. In addition to these, I bought three goats to keep as my own assets, of which once they reproduce, I will be able to educate my children through them by selling them.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My desire is to build rental houses for students of Shaka secondary school who do not reside within the village. Most of them have to walk long distances late in the evening after remedial classes in order to reach their homes. Through this I will be able to ensure their safety and also earn from the rent they pay me. I will use the proceeds to educate my son who will be joining college next year and also take care of my family's needs such as food and decent clothing.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the evening I succumb to many unhappy thoughts of losing my wife and my ill health. However, in the afternoon I am most happy when I am engaged in my work of herding goats thereby keeping the thoughts at bay.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Losing my wife to cancer of the liver left me sad and financially ruined. I had to sell my livestock and incur a lot of debt from family and friends in order to seek treatment for my wife. To date, am still repaying some of the debts yet I do not have a stable income. Due to my genital conditions, I am sometimes unable to work and I mostly depend on my children who work as casual labourers in Mombasa for upkeep. Financial instability has been my biggest struggle in life.
