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 ($526 USD)
access_time over 4 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 than it would have been if nevI er received the transfer in that I have built two new houses which were not possible before.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does well by giving out cash to the poor people in the community to improve their standard of living. I do find what GiveDirectly did no do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spend my second transfer on to build a better and spacious house for my family, I also bought food for the family and the rest of the money I used it to pay school fees for my children in secondary school.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($536 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the newly built house. For a long time I had always wished to build this new house but due to the scarce nature of resources, I had not been able to save up and build a better house for my family. On receiving this transfer, I resorted to making this a priority and I am now proud that I have a new iron roofed house that will shelter my family well and for a longer time before we can improve it in future when we have enough money at our disposal.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I heard my phone ring at around 5:00 am in the morning that day. On checking to check the content of the message, I realized that I had just received a sum of KES 55000 from GiveDirectly. I had been expecting to receive this transfer but not at that time of the day. I was overwhelmed with joy as I thought of how I was going to spend the money to reap maximum benefits from it.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I used KES 30000 to build a new house. This is because I was living in a very old grass thatched house that had a leaking roof. The house gave my family and I a lot of discomfort and I had always wished to accomplish my dream of building a better house but due to the scarce nature of resources, I could not be able to accomplish some of these things and GiveDirectly's transfers was a perfect opportunity for me to bring my dreams to reality.I used KES 3000 to do land preparation, buy fertilizers and seeds. I used the remaining amount to buy basic household needs and food for my family. These are the things that I so much desired to accomplish at that time and I am extremely grateful for the support I got from GiveDirectly.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My family lives in an old grass- thatched house.In it,we always dread rainy seasons.This is because the roofing is already old and when it rains,water leaks in through multiple areas.There is a scarcity of roofing grass and so repairing it has been difficult.Receiving this money will give me the desired aid to be able to build an iron-roofed house as well as a new kitchen.After having done this,and my family has a more comfortable home,I will use the remaining part of the transfer to buy a cow as a means of investing it and a bit of it to pay outstanding fees arrears for my children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the afternoon.This is the time that I return home from my work in the farm.During this time,I prepare lunch for my children returning from school and take a rest through the afternoon.This makes me very happy
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have been cultivating our 0.5 acre piece of land since I got married.In it,we plant maize mainly for consumption.For a family of seven,even a bountful harvest from this small piece cannot sustain us till the next harvest-bearing in mind that maize is our staple food.Over the past three years,a strange maize crop disease struck and at the same time rainfall patterns changed drastically hence aggrevating the situation.As a result,I have not had even half what I harvested in the past.This means that there is very little to eat in our home.As a mother,I cannot sit and watch my children starve therefore am forced to seek casual jobs so that whatever little I earn I can buy maize.This has been the biggest hardship I have faced
