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 over 3 years ago
check
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I believe that were it not for GiveDirectly, I couldn't afford to build a new house on my own. At my age, I have never slept in a ironed roofed house but this has changed and now I have one which is so specious.
I was lucky to have bought a matress but I couldn't afford to buy a bed. When I received my second transfers, I bought one and I am so glad that I no longer sleep on the floor but on a bed which is much comfortable.
My grandchild always laugh at me when I say "Thank You" while entering the house. This is because I got a very good house and the joy and peace which I got always makes me be greatful to GiveDirectly.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well by supporting us with money which were enough to change our lives. These put us at the same level with others whom we saw in the past to have been successful in life.
For me, I didn't see anything that was not done well. The process was fair and transparent.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
At my old age, I couldn't afford to build a ironed roofed house, but when I received my second transfers from GiveDirectly, I bought building and constructed a two roomed ironed roofed house which is more specious compared to a old grass tached which I was having before. I then bought some foodstuffs and saved KES 1500 for emergency use. I was also previlaged to buy a bed which I couldn't imagine having one. I spent KES 4500 on paying for my medication and buying medicine.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time almost 4 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was feeling unwell and I did not understand a thing at first since I was very ill. When I was told later about the transfer, I was happy and even more thankful that it was that money that had paid my hospital bill.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I was not sure if I was going to be well again since I could not afford medical expenses. Right now am feeling way better and in a position I did not expect to ever get back to in my life at this age.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent the transfer on medical expenses. I have been sick to a point that I was bent over due to the pain that I had been been having in my stomach. I am also planning to build a small house to accommodate me since am old and I do not need a big house.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
As a widow, life has been a challenge because I the sole breadwinner yet I have no reliable source of income. Hence, receiving this money means that I shall manage to build a new house with iron-sheet roof. Accordingly, we shall have more space and rooms, especially for sleeping since we currently reside in a single-roomed house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening after successfully accomplishing my daily household chores and farming tasks. This is the moment that I pray and thank God for enabling me handle the daily activities.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in life is losing my husband about five years ago. We spent virtually every resource we had, including cattle and some piece of land, in trying to treat him in vain. As a result, I am currently struggling to make ends meet by doing some subsistence farming though I have less energy due to my advanced age.
