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.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
We are grateful that through GiveDirectly; the villagers are bettering their lives. This is clearly visible through the new businesses that are being set up within the village. New buildings are now under construction, a sign that the funds are impacting positively the lives of the villagers and we are grateful for that.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For the past ten years, I have built my house five times. This situation is because of the rotting poles and falling off of the mud. The harsh weather of strong winds and severe sunny weather is also a major contributor to the continuous collapsing of my house. I then decide to save some money from the jobs I do to buy stones, cement, timber and other building materials to build a strong and permanent stone house. Building poles are currently very expensive and very hard to find, as there are no trees. This is another motivating factor for me to build the stone house to avoid the continuous recurring costs every time I build the new house. Before receiving the money, I ordered building stones worth KSH 12000. When I received my transfer, I spent the whole KSH 3000 to pay for the stones. I am happy that I will now be able to fulfill my desires of building a suitable house.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
This money came in when I was on my usual work routine at the farm. On this very day, I was thinking of where to get additional funds to at least purchase some materials since I already had KES9000. So, when I saw the message confirming the receipt of the transfer, I felt excited since I now had the means to put my house construction plan into action.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I have not seen much difference yet but I can at least be optimistic that the plan I had for improving my house will be fulfilled for I have started purchasing the building materials.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I live in a small two-roomed house together with my wife and three grandchildren. This little space has left us squeezed in. For a long time now, I have had plans to add a room but my maize and vegetable farming business doesn't bring in much to support this. So, when I received the funds, I directed it towards the plan by using it all to purchase concrete blocks.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a subsistence farmer, a work that is currently not reliable due to the harsh weather in our area. Due to this challenge, I have struggled a lot to educate my 6 grandchildren whose father passed away. Hearing about the arrival of GiveDirectly to our village was a good thing that brought about the awakening of my dream to educate my grandchildren comfortably. The transfers will help me to fully sustain them since I intend to buy some 10 goats with my first 10 months' transfers to act as my store of wealth. The remaining transfers will support them in clearing any balances and other school expenses. Hence, this is generally what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the last 6 months, I have enjoyed good health with my family. This has given me peace of mind despite the harsh weather we are experiencing at the moment. Hence, I consider this as something that has brought more joy in my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My son passed away and left me with 6 children that I am taking care of. Since I am a subsistence farmer who depends on rains, I am no longer productive due to the harsh climatic conditions of our area. This has challenged me so much because I currently lack a reliable source of income to support them. Consequently, they have in most cases been sent out of school something that has affected their performances. Thus, I consider the lack of a reliable source of income as the main challenge that I am currently facing in my life.
