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
55000 KES ($442 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My goal for the coming year is to acquire a parcel of land. I am trusting God for a way out because I am old and no longer have the energy to work. I am eternally grateful for the financial assistance that provided me with a helping hand when I needed it the most.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly's assistance raised our standard of living by transforming our lives. They empowered and supported our community without discriminating against anyone. I didn't point out any flaws or things that weren't done with the utmost integrity.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The most pressing need I had was to construct a decent home for my family. This was because the one I had was small and grass-thatched. Unfortunately, because I am a widow with five children to look after, this was not previously possible. I am currently unable to work due to my age. As a result, when I received my first transfer, I spent $400 building the house. Secondly, I spent $150 on a dairy cow to reduce the cost of purchasing milk. I will be eternally grateful for the support I received from GiveDirectly.
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?
It was around 10 AM when my daughter came to check my phone. She said that there was a message from GiveDirectly confirming that I have received the transfer. I felt so happy because I have never received such an amount of money before. It was one of the happiest mornings I have ever had. I knew I would be able to purchase the building materials and build a better and more spacious house for my family. We live in a small grass thatched house which was so old and could not host all my family well.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Building a better and more spacious house for my family is the biggest difference in my daily life. We lived in a small grass thatched house that could not host all my family members comfortably. This was my biggest worry because whenever I have visitors there was no space to host them. I depend on farming as a source of income. I plant vegetables and maize. This is for consumption I sell the surplus to earn some money to meet other additional basic household needs. I had no extra savings to purchase the building materials. Currently, I have a decent and spacious house and I am so grateful. I no longer shy off like before. GiveDirectly has improved our standard of living. This has given me peace of mind to conduct other daily activities.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
It was around 10 AM when my daughter came to check my phone. She said that there was a message from GiveDirectly confirming that I have received the transfer. I felt so happy because I have never received such an amount of money before. It was one of the happiest mornings I have ever had. I knew I would be able to purchase the building materials and build a better and more spacious house for my family. We live in a small grass thatched house which was so old and could not host all my family well.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a widowed mother of six children. I lost my husband when my children were still young. I stepped up all the family responsibilities since then. That has not been easy for me with the scarce resources taking care of all these single handily. I love farming more so livestock farming. I prefer livestock since the herd I had made my life easier. I used to sell them to meet daily household needs and my children's education. This cash transfer means Independence. I planning to use KES 30000 to buy a dairy cow. This means I will not be buying milk again. I have enough milk for consumption thus regaining good health. I will be selling the calves to have money to meet any financial need arising. With cattle in my compound, I certain I will self-reliance again.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I lost my son eight months ago. This was the man, he had been supporting me in my daily life. His demise got me depressed I lost hope in life given that I still had a son in school. In the last six months, I my health has greatly improved. I have come to accept the reality that he is no more. This is the time that I regained good health and now I am happy I can face life again.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food shortage is the main challenge I am currently facing. I am old and recently I had been sick. I have not been active in farming due to my health which led to no yields. I do not have stored food. Since I do not have a stable source of income, getting food is challenging for me.
