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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($441 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?
My area is afflicted with severe water shortage and we normally trek for many miles to get water for our daily use. My new goal was to install tap water into my compound to get rid of this problem . I had already bought piping material to achieve this but was not able to due to unforeseen circumstances. Another new goal is to inject more capital into my small snack business which has been struggling for a long time now.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I have a small means of income and I had no hope of ever improving my life. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for changing my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My son was involved in an unfortunate motorcycle accident and was badly hurt. He needed urgent medical attention and I spent 25000kshs to cater for his treatment. I then bought 12 iron roofing sheets to complete the building project that I had started with my previous transfers. In addition to that, I cleared school fees for my son who is in grade 6 and bought piping material to install tap water into my compound . I also bought 5 more chairs for my own home use and whatever was left was spent on food for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($475 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt so happy the moment I received money from GiveDirectly. I was at home with my children and I shared the good news with them almost immediately. I was so happy that the things I had always wanted to accomplish were finally going to be accomplished.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the mattress and the beds that I bought. These things have greatly boosted my self esteem and made me love home more than ever before. I am much happier having accomplished the things that for a long time have remained just as desires.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 27000 to buy a mattress, two beds and a TV screen for our home. These are things that I had always wanted to buy in order to make my home more comfortable and a place worth running to at the end of a hard day's work. I am happy that this is finally happening and I can't wait to get the next transfer and even make our home more beautiful. I used another KES 6000 improve my business and I am happy that the business is much more stable than it was before I received money from GiveDirectly. At least I am now in a position to feed my three children comfortably without having to worry about what tomorrow brings.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Due to the drought we are experiencing in the region, the subsistence farming I majorly depend on is no longer reliable. With a family of five members, providing the basic needs such as food and school fees becomes an uphill. Upon receiving this money I plan to start a small business of selling vegetables, fruits and ground nuts at the trading centre which I believe will be generating some income for the family.
I will spend 20000 KES on this business. I will also set aside 18000 KES on education and the rest of the money will be spent to buy food for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
It was during the new year celebration when we had a joint party with the rest of the extended family. This brought me so much joy as I interacted with the rest of the family members.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My son who is in form two was sent home because of school fees a month ago. It has been a difficult moment for us as parents as we struggle to make ends meet and at the same time saving the little money I get from the casual labour at the quarry for the children at school. Lack of enough money to provide my family with basic needs such as food is also a big challenge.
