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
55000 KES ($510 USD)
access_time almost 3 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 how it would have been had I not received the transfer. This is because I have been able to achieve my goal of starting an hardware business. The transfers enabled me to build the room that I am using for this business. Due to this, I now have an alternative source of income and I foresee my life transforming to the best in the next few years to come.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well by giving out unconditional cash transfer which will not be refunded and I do not see anything that they do not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my transfer, I spent it complete building a room that I am planning to use for business. I had started building this house using my first transfers but had left it incomplete due to insufficient. I settled on this since I was planning to open an hardware shop since in my locality, one has to travel for a longer distance looking for building materials.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was at 11am when I was just walking around my compound when I saw the message come in and it was the GiveDirectly transfer. Immediately a friend called me to ask if I had seen the transfer and we all laughed over the phone chanting words of happiness.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I was able to buy nice sofa sets for my house that are durable and my house looks beautiful and more welcoming. I also paid school fees for my daughter who is clearing school soon thanks to GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I bought a sofa set for my house and paid school fees for my daughter who is in high school. I also renovated my house using the transfer..
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have been wishing to get money for installing an irrigation system on my farm for better productivity since I rely solely on crop farming and livestock keeping as a source of income. Unfortunately, we live in an area that usually experiences prolonged droughts. Hence, receiving this money means that my family shall enjoy a higher amount of income because our farm shall be more productive.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My day begins at 6 am, where I usually feed cattle and chickens before I proceed to my 3-acre farm for digging. When I return home in the evening I felt so relaxed, therefore I consider this time as my happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in life is the prolonged droughts that usually hit our area. As an enthusiastic farmer who depends on natural rains only, I have been realizing poor yields from my 3-acre farm. Besides, I have been spending substantial amounts of time and energy while fetching water for my livestock and domestic uses since I do not have piped water and yet the nearest river is about 3kms away.
