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 ($467 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?
My new goal is to own a recording studio. This is because initially I had been seeking help from my friend's studio and would spend a lot of money. Acquiring my own, will enable me to record my songs and also those for my fellow artists and eventually can get money to cater for some household bills.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Give Directly did well by sending their officers to hold barazas which gave us a more understanding and clear view about the company. On the hand, I do not have any complaint
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receipt of the second transfer, I prioritized purchasing a heifer at a cost of Kshs.32,000.This will provide us with adequate milk for consumption and at least sell the surplus to earn extra income. I also spent Kshs.15,000 in acquiring sweet potatoes seedlings from an ongoing World Vision project in my village. I will be able to plant the seedlings in my half an acre land since the project gives market for the output and hence will give me good returns and use the funds to meet other needs. With Kshs.15,000 I used to enroll my wife in a Technical Institute to go and study beauty and therapy since she had always wished for that but with a lot of financial obligations, she couldn't enroll. I am happy now that she is fully enrolled and pursuing her dreams.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($506 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at the constructions site working, when I heard my phone ringing, when I checked, it was a Mpesa notification from GiveDirectly, I was so overwhelmed with joy, I knew that my life was going to change to a better one, I immediately called my wife to inform her of the good news, she was equally happy and thankful, it was a special day in our lives that we will never forget in a hurry.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I work as a construction worker, I don't have a reliable source of income because of the nature of our job, it's a first-come offer, I have a wife and a child who depend on me to provide for them, I used to buy milk at $5 daily, this was very expensive, therefore the biggest difference is that I no longer worry about buying milk because I bought a dairy cow, Am hopeful that we will have enough milk surplus to feed my family, finally, I improved my house by changing the roof making it more presentable. Indeed this is a life-changing transfer, I am thankful that I am part of this great testimonial.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a casual labourer, I do construction work most of the time, I have always wanted to buy a dairy cow but this was not realised due to financial constraints, We buy milk daily of which a litre sells at $4, This is very expensive to afford daily. When I received my transfer I bought a dairy cow worth $250, In addition to that, I needed to improve my house hence I bought an iron sheet worth $180, I am so relieved and happy that I was able to spend my transfer wisely in a way that I am positive that it will have a great impact in my life.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My ambition is to be a successful gospel musician. I have been told I have a talent in singing and I want to make use of it in future. Having a nice song with good production and video requires capital which o don't have. So I am forced to put my dreams aside and focus on how I can get an income to support my family. This transfer will first be used in ensuring all the basic needs in my household are met. That includes building a better house since the one we currently live in is small, also my first born is almost joining school and I have to pay school fees to ensure he starts off well for his future. After all these needs are met then I will embark on my singing caterer.
What is the happiest part of your day?
On my usual day I wake up early go look for work either in a farm or in town where there are construction jobs. Each time I get picked for a job is when am mostly happy because I know I will get an income out of it and pay my bills.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in my life is unemployment. After finishing my secondary school my parents didn't have money to take me to collage and opted for me to start hustling. I have been doing casual jobs since then which include working in people's farms within the village and get paid $2 as well as in house construction in the nearby villages. On a good month if I get a house construction job I get paid $50 that has to cater for food, savings and clothing for my family. Depending on that income alone is not reasonable for my family size.
