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 ($463 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Apparently, I do not have any new goals apart from putting more efforts on the one I had initiated before such as rearing goats as my fall back plan incase of any eventualities.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has enabled us achieve our goals within a short period of time . Moreover, most of the people's living standards have been uplifted in the community. What GiveDirectly does not do well, does not yet exist .
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
No sooner had we received our first transfer than my husband and I opted to buy building materials such as: iron sheets, timber and some kilograms of nails. Things could only continue being better when the second batch was dispersed for it went a long way in constructing a more spacious family house. Before, my family of three used to confin themselves in a tiny house which did double up as a kitchen, sitting room and even bedroom. Nonetheless, that is now behind us since we have more privacy. Besides, we managed to buy two goats as a fall back plan should we have emergency. Finally, I bought foodstuff for my family as well. Occupation wise I operate a vegetable groceries whereas my husband is a charcoal vendor. I am glad that for the shortest period of time, I have had an encounter with GiveDirectly our lives have changed for the best.Thank you GiveDirectly.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($476 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
At was around 4pm and was at home.I heard my phone ring and when I checked it a was bearing good news fromGivedirectly.I was happy I knew we would initiate my plans we had discussed with my husband.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My biggest difference in my daily life is construction of new spacious house.Though it is still in its initial stages, I am hopeful that am soon going to be completed so that we can move in.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After enrollment, we were so excited and immediately we sat down and discussed with my spouse on how to spend our transfer. On receiving the money, we spent KES 15,000 in purchasing timber and soon the house is going to commence.We had a been living in a single room house we used as kitchen and bedroom at the same time. I also bought two sheep at KES 5,000 and this an investment since they multiply easily and can sell when I have an emergency. With the remaining amount I saved to wards buying other house materials which will be used in construction of the house.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Since I got married 3 years ago, I have been living in a very small house that my husband build when he was still a bachelor. I did not have any problem living in a smaller space but since my family is still growing and my young daughter is maturing faster, there is a need for us to have privacy. We still sleep with her in the same bed due to lack of enough space which worries me a lot because there are things we cannot do like intimacy in her presence. My priority is to first put up a bigger structure then start a business with the remaining amount of money. I have a passion for trading and since we are very far away from the market center, starting a retail shop will be a good idea because it does not have many competitors. Putting up a good structure and seeing it to completion will cost 50,000 KES plus labor and then start the business with the balance. Receiving this money therefore mean I will be able to have privacy with my husband at the same time have a source of income when the business picks up.
What is the happiest part of your day?
We have been experiencing drought for a long time that resulted in the deaths of our livestock and scarcity of food and water but towards the end of last year, we started having rains which brought back life. We planted vegetables that pushed us for a while and also the sources of water were filled up which we currently use to date. This brought joy and happiness to my life because at least now I still do not have to walk for a long distance to fetch water as before.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My current challenge is lack of sufficient money to support my family's basic needs. I burn charcoal for a living where I occasionally make 500 KES while my husband on the other hand is involved in the motorcycle business. His income varies depending on the demand and this makes it hard to depend on him fully. Both our sources of survival are not consistent which sometimes makes it hard for us to have three meals per day. As a mother and the planner of our finances, I resorted to having a meal in a day so that we can also leave some for the next day. This is sometimes frustrating and stressful for me to handle.
