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.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After my second transfer I decided that I would be using the funds that I received from GiveDirectly to build myself a better house since the one I lived in was very small. I had wanted a bigger house and a better one for the longest time but fell short on the financial area. Luckily I got introduced to GiveDirectly and if you ask me it would not have come at a better time. From the transfers I received I used KES 2,500 to purchase iron sheets then used the balance that I was left with of KES 500 to buy four packets of maize flour and sugar.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Having always wanted to construct a good house, and GiveDirectly sending me the 3rd transfer of KES 3000, I sought to use KES 2000 to buy timber for facilitation of the building as the remaining balance of KES 1000, I was able to add to the food supplements for my family.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 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 now different in that I am currently building a new house for my family and me. With the new home, my family will have an excellent place to call a shelter. This would not have been possible were it not for the transfers I receive from GiveDirectly
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does everything well. I will especially commend them for giving us money directly. This is good because I can plan accordingly on how to satisfy the needs that I have.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent half of the transfer in buying poles for building my new house. I am currently in the process of building a new spacious home. The one I am now having is too small, and my family is continuously growing every day. I am happy with the progress the house is in, and I will be moving into the new home very soon. In addition to the poles, I spent KSH 1200 buying maze flour that I will use as food for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was actually from waking up when i looked at my phone at around 9 am in the morning. I was very happy with the message that i had received cash from Give Directly since i was going through a rough time interm of finances.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Well there is a differerence in that i now own a set of poultry and i am sure its going to help me alot in the future so i am very happy with this little improvement.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used the money to buy 2 chicken and 1 duck. I have a plan to rear these poultry and eventually i will have many of them sell and get more money from them. The i saved some amount and used a little some of money to attend to my dad.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means self-employment, I used to work at a construction site but was laid off in 2020 when Covid-19 struck. I have already started a small project, building a small kiosk selling household items but ran out of money after being laid off. I will use this transfer to finish up with the construction which will cost about Ksh.15,000 and purchase the items after which I will support my parents in paying for school for my siblings.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My family is my source of joy, every day I get to spend time with them is enough for me. I may not have one particular moment to talk about, but my joy comes every day I am alive.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Since 2020 I have been unemployed, I now depend on casual jobs to help meet my daily needs. I engage myself in farming and burning charcoal to earn a living. It is hard to depend on such jobs since I am not guaranteed on them daily. Food is the main concern, some days we have to go without eating. I am a class six drop out and I never got the chance to further my education due to financial challenges. This challenged me to start depending on myself at the age of 20. Being the firstborn with nine other siblings who look up to me is tough. I need a stable income to at least ease this burden.
