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 ($493 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?
I am now living a comfortable life with my family after constructing my own house. I no longer seek refuge from my neighbours something that has renewed my happiness in my life. Through the transfer, I was able to clear the fees of my child and he is learning well without being sent out of school due to fees. I am quite sure that his performance will improve this year. In addition, I was able to start livestock rearing a reliable source of income for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Givedirectly has done well for sending me the transfer. Through the transfer, I was able to build a new house for my family and regain back my privacy. I don't see anything that it does not do well. I appreciate for the support.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my second on purchasing 24 iron sheets and paying labour charges for the construction of a decent house for my family. This is because my house had collapsed and I was sleeping in my neighbour's house. I also used $ 200 to complete the term 2 fees for my child who in secondary school. In addition, I used the remaining amount to purchase enough food for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($502 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 9 AM when I was from the farm then I heard my phone ringing which was notifying me of a new message. I decided to ask my son to check what the notification was all about. After checking, he realized that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I was overwhelmed with joy and without wasting, I decided to plan how best I could utilize it.
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 managed to clear the school fees for my daughter who is in secondary school. Previously I used to pay in bits that is after earning a little amount from the casual jobs however sometimes I could not afford in paying the fees in time. This made her be sent home now and then which affected her academic performance. I had no asset that I could depend on to cater to her fees arrears. She then had to stay home for weeks which was so frustrating. I am now glad because she is now at school studying without any disturbances.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on clearing school fees arrears for my daughter who is in secondary school. Also, I bought some building materials such as iron sheets, building poles, nails, and timber. This was for the construction of a new house because the previous one was small with a grass-thatched roof. With the remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for my family and decent clothes.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means food security to my family. Our subsistence farming has failed to assure the family the normal three meals a day. When I receive the money, I'll use 200 dollars to buy food for my family. Moreover I'll use 300 dollars to buy cattle (ox-plough) for the purpose of tilling a bigger piece of land for higher productivity.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is in the evening. This is when I get time to rest after spending a better part of my day in the farm.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship in my life is food insecurity and hunger. My annual harvest in my farm isn't that pleasing and can not sustain my family.
