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
53075 KES ($533 USD)
access_time 5 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 currently different than it was before because I used part of my transfers to buy a modern chair which I could not imagine I would own in my life. I also bought a high-density mattress which replaced my old mattress and at the moment I sleep comfortably. Currently, I own two cows and my house is well furnished. I also own pan for cooking chapati as a result, I do not need to ask for any from a neighbour.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well in improving people's lives through unconditional cash transfers. GiveDirectly also does well in doing follow up to assist the recipients who had problems with their Mpesa accounts registrations as well those who must have lost their transfers through fraudulent acts. I have not seen what GiveDirecty does not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my second transfers to buy sand and bags of cement which I used to plaster the floor of my house. It had been dusty and occasionally required me to smear it with cow dung. Most of the time I felt affected by dust which made me have constant cold flu. I also bought a cow from which I shall be able to obtain milk. When it continues to reproduce, I shall have more cows which will be my financial security in the future.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($548 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference is my house now has furniture and I can comfortably put food on my table.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was exited, my hard work has now been made easier unlike before I used to struggle to earn a living.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my money to purchase a sofa set, hired a piece of land for farming, bought a mattress and a bed and the remaining amount I am planning to purchase cows for milk.
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means liberation from frequent evictions as squatters. I would like to spend the transfer on buying my own land where I can live in peace with my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when I get paid for casual labor services and buy food for my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I am facing in life is lack of self-owned land. It has been a great challenge to us in settling as we are frequently evicted by land owners as they wish.
