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 ($518 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
check
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The difference in my life is that I have bought the necessary building materials and the construction of my house is going. Initially, I only used to depend on casual jobs. The money I got from these jobs was enough to buy basic needs. I used to save nothing towards this goal therefore there were slim chances of establishing my home. I am happy that soon as a family we will be having a more spacious house.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, since GD came to our community, the living standards have improved and the level of poverty has drastically changed. Many can afford a meal, housing conditions have improved and there is an increase in the number of children attending school.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
When I received my second transfer, I took the whole amount into construction. I am planning to build a more spacious house for my household members. This will help with privacy since the children are growing old and they will need their rooms. Besides that, I wanted a house that would be big enough to accommodate visitors. It was very embarrassing that I could not take my visitors to the house they had to stay in the compound for them to be comfortable.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($545 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
attach_money
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is owning goats as assets that I can depend on to pay my children's school fees and to carter for emergencies that may arise. I believe that raising cash to educate my young children will not be a challenge for me. I am keeping these goats so that they can reproduce faster. I plan to work on saving by selling them once they are ready. Through this plan, I am certain of settling my children's school fees with ease, supplementing with my income.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I remember pretty well that day was one of the days that I decided to head to my workplace early. While on the way, I heard a message on my phone. I had received two messages and decided to check the contents. I was so happy when I realized that my first transfer had been sent to me. I just started thinking of how best I could spend the money to uplift my living standard.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my transfer on purchasing six goats worth KES 18000 which I am currently keeping in my homestead. I am happy after settling on purchasing these goats. I consider them as my potential assets that I can lean on in case of any financial crisis. Apart from that, I decided to purchase iron sheets, building poles and paid for the mason for the construction of my kitchen. I am glad that the kitchen is complete and already in use. The remaining amount was spent on doing shopping for foodstuff, clothing, and also paid for some daily household expenses.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
We are experiencing long rains in our area and ploughing on the farm has been so slow due to the old way of farming which I use. I have wished to expand my farming like everyone in the village who is transiting to oxen ploughing but this has never materialized due to financial instability. Receiving this money means the realization of my desire as I am planning to purchase oxen to assist me in farming. Currently, my farm is 1.5 hectares and I will expand it to 4 hectares which will assure me of more harvests and hence food security for my family. The remaining amount will help me in completing the construction of my house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day. I always leave to them slaughterhouse very early before 6 am when my child is still on the bed. I spend the whole day working up to the evening when I come back to relax and have a chance to meet my family. I usually feel joy when I met them healthy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity for my family has been my greatest challenge in my life. I currently work as a slaughterhouse worker but this has not been consistent since it earns me only 3 dollars per day. This income is not enough to sustain all the basic needs of my family because I normally spend it on food leaving no coin for other needs. I have wished to expand my farm in order to increase my harvest but this has not been accomplished due to insufficient fanancies.
