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 ($522 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 different in that I can now construct a house which I was unable to, and I can also afford food for my family. I would have to struggle a lot to look for work, which are not always easy to come by, before I could build my own house or afford decent meals.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I have not seen anything that Give Directly does not do well. Members of staff there have a good heart and we are just grateful for the assistance. I can build a house with the transfers and buy food for my family. Give Directly has enabled me to do this. I have not seen anything yet that Give Directly has done wrongly.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I have not spent my transfers yet. I have only utilized 2000 KES to purchase food for my family, but I am planning to spend my transfers to construct a new house. My current house is old and has a leaking roof, I have wanted to build a house but I had no means to build. I do not have a stable income to enable me to build a decent house. We have had to put up with a leaking roof for a while. I intend to buy materials like timber and iron sheets so that I can finally build a house.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($538 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is owning my oxen. Farming will be easier henceforth as a result. We will be having enough food because I used to dig my farm myself. I will be able to achieve more with the oxen because they can plough bigger spaces within a shorter time compared to ploughing with bare hands.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was happy to receive the first transfer from GiveDirectly, it was around 5.30 AM in the morning and I am grateful.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I bought 2 oxen using the first transfer I received from GiveDirectly. I did this in preparation for the planting season which is underway. We used to pay people who own oxen so as to use them for ploughing, or dig the farm myself but now I have my own.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that my life will change for the better. I plan to purchase a pair of oxen for ploughing my farm and those of my neighbours for a fee. I will also replace my grass thatched house for an iron roofed one. My other plan is to engage in livestock business that can guarantee a continuous source of income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when I am back home after a tiresome day. My day starts very early, so I usually become so tired and a good sleep is what makes me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in my life is lack of a reliable source of income. Today, I am separated from my wife because I can not afford to pay her dowry.
