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 ($478 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Currently, I do not have any goal that I am planning to work on after utilizing the second transfer. The reason is that I usually plan when I have money at hand. So, if I get some money I will plan on how best to utilize it as per the current situation I will be in. As of now, I have mixed ideas but I will refine them to get the for me once I get some money.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Initially, I had not slept on a mattress or a modern, I was used to using a traditional bed and the mat was worn-out. As of now, I sleep in a good bed and a nice mattress which I would not be having if it were not for GiveDirectly. I also managed to build a house for my children who had no house before GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I withdrew the money, I bought a cow for KES 16000.00. The reason for buying the cow is for milk proposes. For a while I have been buying milk for my children but I am sure when the cow gives birth, I will get milk for my family. I also bought nine pieces of iron sheets for KES 10000.00. The aim of buying these iron sheets is to build a house for my children. Thereafter I bought some construction materials such as poles, rafters and nails. After doing that, I saved the remaining amount for the family upkeep.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
When I received my recent transfer, I felt so good and very happy. I had been longing to receive it since I was a great financial needs. The transfer were to me at around 5pm. At that time, I was doing some household chores. I knew that out of the transfer, I would be able to buy some household items that I dod not have as well supporting my children's education. Thanks to GiveDirectly for its wonderful support.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life since I began receiving my transfer is owning a new bed and a new mattress. Throughout my life, I have been living under extreme poverty, as a result, I was not able even to buy a matress. I thank GiveDirectly because through the transfer, I currently have better beddings. In the past, I could only afford a mat and that was the best I offer to my family. I am glad that my present beddings are more comfortable. Moreover spending part of my transfer on paying school fees, to a great extent has saved me from the pressure of looking for casual jobs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my very most recent transfer to buy two mattress for KES 11,500. I also bought a bed which was costing KES 6,000. In the past, I neither had a bed nor a mattress. I was therefore spending on a mat spread on the floor. In addition, I spent 4,800 to pay school school fees for my children who are in primary school and KES 2,300 to buy for them school uniform. I am glad that my children are studying comfortably without being sent back home for school fees.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means better accommodation for my five children. I will build a two-roomed semi-permanent house which can accommodate my 5 children. Currently, the house we are in does not have enough space and it leaks during the rainy seasons. I rear poultry in my compound and sell them to the nearest shopping center. I will buy 20 chickens and their food to boost my business. With the remaining amount, I will clear school fees for my five children for this year.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the last six months, we were hearing about an organization called GiveDirectly. Last week our area chief told us they will come and pay a visit. I am happy this week they conducted their first meeting and today they came to my place. Seeing the officers coming to my compound was like a dream come true. I feel excited today and I will write this day in my diary.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband is a casual worker, he drills wells and pit latrines this comes once in a blue moon with fewer returns amounting to KES 5000 per pit. We have five children and with the pronged drought getting water and food has been a challenge. We have to buy food and water every day, staying without a reliable source of income challenges me. I am worried about providing for my 5 children, sometimes I wish they were less but I can not do anything.
