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?
My life has really improved since I received the transfer. I am glad I'm now independent and I have a reliable source of income. This is because through the transfers I was able to construct rental houses in a portion of land that I inherited from my parents.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Give Directly does a good job especially by giving people unconditional cash. This has really enabled people to be independent and improve their lives. On the other hand, there is no area that they are not doing good at.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I constructed rental houses with the whole of the second transfer in our local center. I have been earning some income from it which has enabled me to easily meet my family's needs. Previously I did not have a reliable source of income. Instead, I relied on casual labour.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was seated at home on that day at around 1300Hrs when I heard a message come into my phone. When I checked the message, it was the Mpesa message for the transfers. I was very very happy and excited to see the money in my phone.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I was able to build a better and bigger house for my family and I was also able to purchase livestock. I now own my own cows and I can also live in a more comfortable and spacious house. I am very grateful.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfers to build a house for my family and to buy two cows. The current house that we live in is quite small for my family of three children. My husband and I both burn and sell charcoal for a living. We earn only what is enough to meet our very basic needs; and sometimes this is never enough. I was very happy that I could finally live in a comfortable home with my family. I also bought two cows with the hope that they can reproduce in future and bring me back profits in terms of sale of milk or even a whole cattle, if need will ever arise. I am truly grateful to GiveDirectly.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Being a single parent, I have always desire to have a reliable source of income to support my family of 3 members. Receiving this money means accomplishing my dream since I am planning to spend $ 250 on paying my tailoring college fees and to purchase a brand new sewing machine. I will also use $ 300 to start goats rearing these will be our reliable sources of income for my family a transformation I have longed for. The remaining amount will assist me in construction of a good shelter.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Being a charcoal vendor. I spend most of my time at my work place until evening when I return home exhausted. I use my evening to relax my body and meet the rest of my family members whom we share our daily experiences, we usually encourage each other something that makes me feel calmed. Therefore, evening is my happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband separates me 10 years ago due to family issues that forced me to return to my maternal home. Life changed for the worse because I had nobody to depend on. Charcoal vending is what I have been doing a job that earns me less than a dollar per day. I have wished to have an alternative source of income but I have to realize my wish due to my financial challenges. Therefore, I consider financial instability as my biggest hardship.
