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 ($491 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?
My life has improve in a big way since I have boosted my livestock business by additional 3 cows. This has put me in a better position of getting more profit than before. I am assured that I will be able to meet my family's basic needs easily.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, I thank GiveDirectly for sending us cash which has helped many poor household. On my opinion I don't see anything bad that GiveDirectly did.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $280 of my transfer to construct a decent house and purchase beddings for my son who is mentally ill. This is because he used to sleep in my neighbours house something that kept me worried because of his healthy condition. Additionally, I used the remaining amount to purchase 3 calf in order to boost my livestock selling business. I remained with small amount which I took my wife to the hospital.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($493 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 awakened by the loud vibratiok from my phone at exactly 6 in the morning. I was a bit nervous and decided to check who it could be. Uponb checking I realized that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I was over-excited for I knew I would finally achieve my long time goals.
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 cows that I am currently rearing in my homestead. The financial support from Give Directly has brought a lot of development to my family. First, with the cows, I will be getting milk which I have been buying from my neighbors at a high cost, and sometimes I could not afford it at all. Also, I will sell the remaining liters to my neighbors and since the milk is in high demand, I am positive the business will grow within a short period. This will be my source of income and I am hoping it will uplift my living standard greatly. Therefore meeting my family's daily needs shall be easier.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some livestock such as two dairy cows worthy of KES 30000. I also cleared some hospital bills for my spouse who has been unwell for so many years. Actually, the cash transfers rescued her life because I had no idea where I would get the money for medication. With the remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for my family and some other household items.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
"My longing has been to own my on shamba but due to financial challenges this dream has failed to emerged. I am planning to spend 70,000 shillings to purchase 5 acres shamba. We have been sharing a family shamba almost 20 years. Owning my land will enable me to plant food crops and harvest a lot of food for my family during planting season. Other than that, I will use the extra amount to take my wife to hospital for medication. She has been suffering from stomach problem for 5 years. Receiving this money means fulfilling my desire."
What is the happiest part of your day?
"Evening becomes my happiest part of the day. It is at this time when I have enough time to rest after a long day of herding my animals."
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
" My wife has been suffering from stomach problem for 5 years now without getting well. I have been using all the money on treating her in different hospitals with no vain. Illness has been my biggest hardship because I can no longer save anything."
