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
53075 KES ($527 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is currently different from how it was in that, I was able to build a decent house. Previously, I could get as low as 50 KES from casual jobs such as smearing people's houses which could not be enough to build a house. But I am glad that I was among the beneficiaries of Give Directly and because of this project my life has improved and I was able to do several things that I could not have afforded to do using my meagre earnings. This is evident with the transfer which I channelled towards building a decent house that was a dream come true.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has done well by giving out unconditional transfers. It is evident that the living standards of people in this village has improved. Their intervention has brought change in our village since everyone who received this transfers has developed in many ways, meeting the goals that they could still be dreaming of. According to me, I don't think there is something that GiveDirectly is not doing well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent part of my transfer on purchasing sand that I used in cementing the outside wall of my house which I had built using the first transfer. Getting mud in the area was difficult and the work itself was tedious since I had to repair the house more often especially during the rainy season. I am glad that I no longer need to do that, now I enjoy the peace of staying in a decent house not thinking about when to repair it when it starts cracking and falling off. Apart from cementing my house, I also fixed three steel doors and windows. I wanted this because it is long lasting and It is also recommended for higher security. The remaining amount was spent on purchase seats since I did not have enough.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($546 USD)
access_time 6 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I have been stressed about building a new house but finally, I am going to have it and I have never gone without food ever since I received this transfer.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt very happy because my biggest worry of my house falling down will be solved.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my transfer on buying iron sheets, timber and nails which I am currently using to build a new and bigger house, bought household items such food and bedding and the rest I have saved to pay masons after constructing my house.
Enrolled
access_time over 6 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money has made me so happy. I will use it to build a bigger iron roofed house with three rooms. Currently I stay in a small house that does not accommodate my family and I well. My children are forced to sleep in the living room which does not make me happy.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when I am having dinner with my children and talking about the days events.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I face is not having a job so that I can be able to support my family's needs. I depend on money given to me by my husband. Being that we are polygamous, the money is shared between the wives and often it is not enough to cater for our basic needs like food and clothing.
