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
55000 KES ($482 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
GiveDirectly has by far enhanced the livelihood of my family and I as I have been able to build a better house and shift from the grass thatched house that we used to live in. I also bought some goats to add to the four I had improving my animal rearing skills.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Lives have been changed for the better and improved in all aspects.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Having received 55000Ksh, I was able to plan myself accordingly and in the right way. I bought iron sheets to construct construct better house which together with the labour cost amounted to 20000Ksh. To add to the goats I already had, I purchased ten more at a total of 25000Ksh. The remaining amount of 10000Ksh was used to get food supplements for the house and get new clothes for my seven kids. GiveDirectly boosted my family since I am self employed at my local shop and my husband does bodaboda business hence our income is not that stable.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($485 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
While at my shop at around 8am, a client wanted to buy some items but requested to send the money to my M-pesa account directly. I was vigilant not to be blackmailed so I decided to check my account balance before accepting his request. When I looked at my phone I saw a message icon and I decided to open it first. To my surprise, it was the transfer of KES 55000.00 from GiveDirectly and it was received since 11pm the previous day. I was filled with joy to a point that the customer was surprised what was happening in me. As he was staring at me, I got back to my senses and told him to send the money to my account for the items he wanted. I served him without any question till he left. I am sure he left with so many unanswered questions on what was making me so happy.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I am now seeing a good beautiful house though it hasn’t been set yet. The biggest difference in my life is that, my head is no longer occupied with heavy thoughts about where I would get money to construct a nice house as we are moving closer to a rainy season. If it were not for GiveDirectly, I think stress would do me bad since I was thinking a lot with no solutions.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon withdrawing the money, I opted to build a good spacious house because the one I had was too small for my family and it was also in bad state, it was a house during summer season but in rainy seasons it was leaking profusely. In that regard I bought 20 pieces of iron sheets for KES 21000.00, poles and rafters for KES 5000.00 and also some nails and other small items that are used in construction. I am now finalizing on the materials before I start the construction. So I kept the remaining amount and I will use it for the labor and manpower that will be required.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I was married in 2006 and my husband took me to their extended family and we started living there. After some years the family develops some conflicts and I advise my husband to buy our land so that we can construct a house and live comfortably. He agreed and we managed to purchase a 3-acre land but the finances we had by then could not allow us to build a decent house. Currently, we are staying in a very small structure which is not enough to accommodate my family of 8. Receiving this money means good shelter. I am intending to spend 50,000 KES on construction so that we can live comfortably. I will invest the remaining part of the transfer to add stock to my current business which is the only source of income I have.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have suffered from continuous vomiting for 2 months. I visited different hospitals for medication but all was in vain. Last week, my husband was advised to take me to a certain hospital where I went and met a doctor, and the drugs he gave me assisted me. As of now, I am recovering very well and this has brought happiness to me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Sickness is the biggest hardship I am experiencing in my family. For the past 2 months, I and my 6 children have been in and out of the hospital for medication and the cause of the sickness has not been known. This has made me spend a lot of money on medication that could be used for other purposes like school fees. It also disturbs my peace of mind seeing my family suffering.
