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 ($422 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I'm looking forward to opening up a business where I sell groceries at the comfort of my home. The profit that I will make from this business will help me cater for my day to day needs. Since nutrition is also I repetitive predicament I will use some funds to ensure that I always have a meal.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am in complete awe of how my life has changed for the better within these few months. Nevertheless, I am grateful for the generosity from the organization because the funds I received allowed me to finally purchase land which was something I wanted for as long as I can remember.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I was still going with so much happiness when I received this transfers because it meant that I could finally buy the piece of land that I had to set my eyes on. As soon as I got the chance to withdraw the money I proceeded to pay KES 50,000 on the two acres of land that I purchased. I then proceeded to spend the remaining balance of KES 3,000 on renting an ox to plough my land.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($478 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was awakened by the loud vibration from my mobile phone at around 7 in the morning. I was curious since it was so unusual for me to receive any kind of a message from my relatives. I, therefore, asked my helper to check for me who it was. On checking, she realized that it was an Mpesa message from Segovia Technology. I felt so happy because at long last I had received the cash transfers that I had eagerly been waiting for. We started to celebrate as a family and later on, we planned how best we could use the money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that my house is in a good state. Before the coming of GiveDirectly, I have been living a miserable life but I was hopeful that God would hear my prayer someday. My spouse passed on so many years ago living behind three kids, and that is when the trouble started. I raised my kids single-handedly after my in-laws neglected us. The little I used to earn from their charcoal business could only cater to our daily needs and no cash was left for the renovation of my house. It used to be so hectic especially when it rains my worry was that it would collapse anytime. I am honestly grateful because the organization came at the right time when I needed their help the most. All is well now and we thank God for everything.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying a building
materials such as building poles and the ropes KES 5000 and the labor charge of KES 1500. This was for the renovation of my house which had some weak walls with holes all over. It was so stressful especially during the rainy days because we were always infected by cold-related diseases. I also bought goats that I am now keeping in my compound. These will be reliable living assets that I can depend on anytime. I settled for them because they can survive so well in my region. I am also planning to start a business (selling vegetables) in my village. For now, I am jobless and I will be glad to at least engage myself and earn a living. Finally, I have been buying sufficient foodstuffs for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a widow and old. I depend on casual Labor at a quarry for a living. The job is energy-draining and I have to compete with young people the age of my grandchildren. To fill one truck you get KES 3000 thousand which is shared among a group of five workers. Due to my age, I have been thinking of leaving this job but when I look at the condition of my house I am forced to continue. When I receive this money it will be a relief to me because I will spend KES 60,000 on renovations, beddings, and furniture as well as paying school fees for my two grandchildren who are in secondary school. The remaining amount will be for savings and other basic needs such as food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Last year during Christmas I received a food donation from my cousin who works and resides in town with his family. He bought me 5 kgs of rice and 5 kgs of sugar. This brought me joy and happiness because I was able to celebrate after the unexpected gesture.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I earn KES 4000 from the casual work I do at the quarry. I spend this money on all the necessities of my household which consists of 3 members. Due to my old age, I do not go to work consistently because the job is cumbersome and therefore I need some days to rest. As a result, the proceeds are not sustainable hence financial instability is still the major challenge that my family experiences. Since the demise of my husband ten years ago, I have always been struggling to make ends meet. The house is leaking during the rainy season and sometimes I seek accommodation from relatives which is shameful.
