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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($475 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I had these goals all along but I was waiting for this transfer so that I could accomplish them. I wanted to build a bigger and better house for our children and ourselves as well as start a business that will be my source of income for the entire time until when I get another thing to do.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I believe GiveDirectly is doing everything well and I do not see any particular thing that it does not do well. It enabled me get a house and start a business, which is something that I am so grateful for.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The thing that I think took a huge part of the transfer is the house since for iron sheets alone I spent a total of KES12000 and the other materials as well as service charges for the labourers who came to build the house. I wanted to build this bigger and better house because the one we had been living in was so small and not enough for the whole of us and my children had to be hosted by our neighbours for the night. But, thanks to GiveDirectly, I have a bigger and better house in which I will live with my children comfortably without the fear of having to ask our neighbours to host our children. I am happier and grateful. I also started a charcoal selling business that cost KES3000 for stock and rental fee, because I wanted to have a business that will be my source of income and occupation.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($502 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had been sick for the last two months diagnosed with ulcers. I was in the house relaxing on my bed after taking a morning dose of medicine when I heard a message notification on my phone. I had to call my helper who confirmed the receipt. I felt very happy for receiving the transfer since the desire of boosting my livestock rearing will be attained.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that on now a happy farmer after boosting my livestock rearing. Currently, I am owning a herd of 30 goats after purchasing 10 more with the transfer. With this number of animals, they will be able to reproduce hence able to cater for the educational needs of my children without any problem.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I depend on livestock farming as my reliable source of livelihood to bring up my family of 8 members. I have desired to boost it but I lack the financial capacity. After receiving the transfer, I invested $300 to acquire 10 more goats. This is a future investment that will help me in educating my children who are still in primary school. I also spent 50 dollars to part of the fee arrears of the children. Furthermore, I used $40 to purchase building poles which I am planning to use in constructing a decent house for the family. This is because the one I had is grass thatched and leaks during the rainy season. The remaining amount assisted me in purchasing enough food for the family.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
A reliable source of income for my household is generally what receiving this money means to me. Currently, I work as a charcoal vendor a job that has affected me health-wise and I am no longer productive enough since I suffer from ulcers. Since charcoal work requires me to spend a better part of my day in the bush without eating, I usually suffer a lot. I have planned to start a comfortable job for myself but this has never materialized due to financial instability. With the cash grant from GiveDirectly, my feeling is that this is a dream fulfilled since I intend to start a grocery at Bamba town where I could vend foodstuffs. This project will cost me utmost 300 dollars of my first transfer which will assure me of getting a daily income of not less than $5 as profit. The reaming amount will support me to construct a decent house because the one I have at the moment is grass thatched and it's leaking during the rainy season. Also, it will help me to cater to my children's school fees.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I spend the morning and afternoon hours in the bush doing my charcoal work. At this time, I usually feel severe pains in my stomach because of being hungry. During the evening hours, I feel so happy because I get ample time to relax as I take my dinner. Hence, the evening becomes the happiest part my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The lack of a reliable source of income is the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life. In the past 3 years, I was diagnosed with ulcers and this means staying without food the whole day means worsening the condition. Due to the financial crisis in my household, I am forced to do charcoal work to get food for my family, a job that does not allow me to have time for a lunch meal. This has affected me so much and I always feel severe pains especially during the day where I work.
