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?
Life is different since I started receiving my transfer in that I was able to construct a decent shelter for my 2 girls who were seeking shelter from my neighbor every night. I was so troubled about their safety since they were walking at night for a distance to seek shelter. I was also able to boost my goat rearing activity and paid school fees for my children.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Givedirectly did so well in giving us the cash grant which has uplifted my living standard. I was able to enhance my livestock rearing.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer on completing the construction of my house which I had started using my initial transfer, by paying labour costs. This is because the one I had previously was leaking inside and old. I also bought 3 goats for $150 to boost my goat rearing activity since I had used most of the on my children's education. With the remaining amount I paid school fees for my 5 children in total $ 100. Lastly, I purchase adequate 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?
I was on my way to the dam to fetch water when I heard my phone ringing, notifying me of a new message. Upon checking, I realized that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. Due to the excitement that I had, I decided to go back home and celebrate with my family because to me it was like a miracle. It was my first time receiving such a huge amount of money which is unconditional and nonrefundable.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Previously my house was very small and in very poor condition one could not imagine there are people staying in such a house. During the winter seasons, I never had peace together with my children we could be rained on and we had nowhere to seek shelter because even my neighbors were experiencing the same. Also, there was no privacy in my house since the house was single-roomed and my family was big. Currently, I have a spacious house that is enough and my children can now do their assignments without any disturbances. Having my own spacious house makes the biggest difference in my daily life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying building materials such as pieces of iron sheets, several building poles, nails, and timber. I purchased all these purposely for the construction of a new house since the previous one was very small. I also bought a goat at KS 2500 which will now be the living assets that I can depend on. I also bought new school uniforms and cleared the fees arreeas as well for my children. With the remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means building a good house for my family. This is because we have been living in grass thatched houses all our lives and they keep on collapsing, since they cannot withstand strong winds and heavy rainfall. Our current house is equally damaged and its no longer safe for us. The mud walls are very weak and the roof is leaking, making it unbearable during rainy season. As if this is not enough, the house does not have a door making it easy for snakes to slither inside.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiness comes in the evening after hustling through the woods uprooting trumps to burn charcoal. This is not an easy task and it drains my energy. Therefore, I long for evenings when I get time to rest.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial constraint is the biggest hardship in our lives. This is attributed to lack of a stable source of income as we rely on burning charcoal for a living. We cannot really account for our earnings because we live from hand to mouth. Raising 7 children has never been easy for us. It is this same reason that has made it impossible to even provide good shelter for our family.
