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
55000 KES ($361 USD)
access_time 6 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the upcoming years and beyond, my aspiration are depended on the weather condition. If the rains persist, I venture into agribusiness, specifically cultivating crops such as beans and maize, which thrives in our area conditions. The success of this venture will bring a lot of satisfaction in my life, as it would pave the way for renovating my aging structures. These refurbished buildings would then serve as residences for students attending Dida Day Secondary, situated in close proximity, this will bring about personal fulfillment and community support.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Your commendable approach of providing direct cash and ensuring follow-ups has truly impressed me. I would like your organization to expand its impact by getting into space of agricultural support. Specifically, providing agricultural furniture and inputs could contribute to sustainable development
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the recent transfer, I decided to address the pressing issue at home. My house roof was worn and leaking since it was first constructed in 1984. The money went into finishing the long overdue roofing project, bringing comfort and security. I also started a small scale chicken project, recognizing the potential in the thriving food industry. As I nurture this project my vision extend beyond, hoping to expand it to a large scale venture in the future
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($375 USD)
access_time 8 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 5 p.m. when I heard a message tone from my phone while doing some household chores. Being unable to read, I handed over the phone to my husband for clarification, and he confirmed that I had received the first transfer from GiveDirectly. My heart was filled with joy and happiness for receiving the transfer, knowing that my journey with GiveDirectly had successfully started. I couldn't contain my excitement and started celebrating with joyful cries, as I never imagined such good luck could come my way.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I used to live in an unsafe old house with a leaky roof, constantly worried about the next rainstorm. But everything changed when I became a recipient of GiveDirectly. With the cash transfer they provided, I was able to repair my house and make it secure and cozy. Now, I can sleep peacefully, knowing that I won't wake up to a flooded living room. This support gave me a sense of stability and comfort that I had never known before, and for that, I'm incredibly grateful.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the cash transfer, the first thing I did was buy 16 pieces of iron sheets for $228 and roofing timbers for $100. My old house used to leak so badly when it rained, and it made my family's life miserable. But now, thanks to GiveDirectly, I have a cozy and dry home. I can sleep peacefully even when it pours outside.
After that, I purchased three drums for $90 to store the maize I had harvested. This means I don't have to worry about my cereals spoiling, and I can feed my family for a while. The best part is that I had some money left after taking care of these essentials. I used that remaining amount to treat my ailing husband. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I was able to get him the medical care he needed, and now he's on the road to recovery. GiveDirectly has truly transformed our lives, and I'm filled with gratitude for the support we received.
Enrolled
access_time 10 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
My house! The one I use at the moment is leaking because the iron sheets are corroded and this has never given me peace, especially during the rainy season. I plan to spend $600 to ensure my house is renovated. This will bring peace to us because my husband has been suffering the most considering that he has a problem with his spinal cord. On the other hand, I will spend the remaining amount to start poultry farming which will act as my reliable source of income, a project that I consider to have high profit for me. Hence, this is generally what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In January this year, I had accumulated bills up to $60 which never gave me peace of mind. I decided to cut down my trees and sell them to earn cash. By doing so, I was able to raise $110 which enabled me to offset all my debts. Part of this money helped me to buy food during that period. Hence, I consider this as what has brought me joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am a housewife and I have long depended on my husband who took an early retirement after having been diagnosed with spinal cord problems. This has left him jobless at home and we normally depend on his monthly pension which is usually $150. A good amount of this money goes on paying hospital bills because he uses medicines which cost him the utmost $60. The remaining amount clears our electricity and water bills leaving us with nothing for food. Hence, I consider the lack of a reliable source of income as my biggest challenge.
