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 ($525 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different from how it would have been had I not received the transfer because I have been able to build a more permanent house for my family. I believe that I will be relocating to this house very soon since I am only waiting to fix the doors and ceiling. Moving to this house will be a dream come true to me since I have always desired to live in a more cosy home where cleaning is easier and less time consuming.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my own opinion, GiveDirectly did well by giving us unconditional cash transfers and I do not see anything that they did not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
When I received my second transfer, I spent a good amount to start building a spacious house for my family. I bought the materials that I did not have and paid the mason. I spent the remaining amount to buy clothes and food for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($531 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 can now cater for my family needs on time without buying some items from the shop on credit. Before receiving the transfer, I would only get milk for my family consumption but after purchasing another dairy cow, I can now have some to sell. Due to this, I no longer depend on only one source of income to cater for our needs.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was almost dawn when I received a call from one of my neighbors who informed me that GiveDirectly had sent her the promised money. Upon checking my Mpesa balance and realized that I had also received the money, my heart was filled with happiness. I knew that I would be able to achieve a lot of things and improve my life using this money.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
When I received my first transfer, I took KES 25000 from it and bought a dairy cow. When it reproduces, my income from the sale of milk will increase. In addition to this, I spent KES 15000 to buy timber to use in building a house for my family. I will use part of my second transfer to start the construction work after purchasing enough building materials. I usually do a business of buying and selling beans at our nearest shopping centers. Due to this, I took KES 5000 from my transfers to boost this business. I am now glad since my daily profits have increased as a result of an increase in my daily sales. I also used KES 5000 to clear school fees arrears for my children so that they would not be sent back home. I used the remaining amount to buy maize flour and other household necessities for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My greatest desire has always been to find enough capital to revive my small business which failed as a result of drought. I used to buy beans from local farmers at a lower price and sell them at various market places at a relatively high price. Receiving this money is a boost for my business since I will be able to accomplish my plans.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when we take supper with my family. It makes me happy to see them enjoying their food as we make some jokes.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship is that I don't have capital to start my once thriving business which failed due to lack of resources to cater for my children's education. When rains failed, crops also failed and my business was affected negatively. I had to close the business because I ended up using all my savings in educating my children. As a result, I am now a housewife who cannot assist my husband financially as before.
