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 ($460 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Yes, after utilizing the second transfer, I got an idea which I aim to accomplish once I get some money. My aim is to buy more goats and start a shop business which will serve as a source of income for me.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Initially, I was living in darkness. Things were not working well on my side, I was living in poverty. I used to sleep in a kitchen since I did not have a a house but when GiveDirectly came into my life, it enabled me to construct a house using the first transfer and completed it with the second transfer. As of now, I am happy and grateful for the aid I received from GiveDirectly which enabled me to be whom I am today. I sleep well in a good house because of GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I got the second transfer, the plan I had was to finalize the construction of my house which I started using the first transfer. I bought 24 pieces of iron sheets for KES 27600.00. I also purchased other items for the roofing. Thereafter I bought four goats for KES 12000.00. Having done that, I saved the remaining amount for the family upkeep.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($497 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I am a housewife, I am required to wake up at 6 am to go and fetch water from the nearby water pan for my family. I was on my way back home when I received 2 follow-up messages on my phone. I was carrying 20 litres of water on my head so I decided to reach home so that I check my phone. I felt extremely happy when I learned that I had receive the transfer that would change my life for the better.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is that I am living in comfortable separate spacious house with my kids.This has restored the my confidence and privacy since I was ashamed because of the poor condition of my house. Before, I was owning a small house that was not enough to accommodate both my family members and the commodities.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 50,000 to construct 2 decent houses one for my grown-up boys and the other for myself. This is because the house that we were living in was small, without a room and we used it as our food store as well as the kitchen at the same time. I was sharing a house with my grown-up children which was against the customs of our community and I lack privacy with my husband. I also spent KES 3000 of the remaining amount to support my child's education by paying their school fees. I bought enough food for my family with the remaining amount.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a better living standards because currently I live a very desperate life with my children in a house that at the same time I use it as a kitchen. I have desired to own a decent house but due to inadequate finances, this has never been possible. With the cash grant from GiveDirectly, I am now optimistic to realize my dream since I intend to spend better portion($400) of the money to construct the house and this will change my livelihood for the better. Part of remaining amount will help me to buy 10 goats at $200 that will act as a store of wealth, to help me to educate my 6 children and the remaining amount will cater for food and better beddings.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The morning is the happiest part of my day because waking up healthy with my children gives me the feeling of happiness. Unlike in the afternoon and evening hours when I am always busy doing household chores and farm work which are more exhaustive.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a reliable source of income is the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life. I have all along been a housewife and I depends most on my husband who is doing charcoal work and his monthly income is normally $60. This income is very minimal and it can not fully cater to our very basic needs like food, nice shelter and education for my children.
