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
53150 KES ($467 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have concurrently been running a lot of activities since I received the first transfer, and currently, I have a new goal to stock a shop that I had constructed earlier. I am looking forward to establishing an income-generating source that will keep my family going in the future. At the moment, I am building my savings that will enhance the stocking of my retail shop, and once I am set, I will visit the nearby wholesale where I will obtain items at a subsidized price and sell at a profit.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am grateful for the work well done by GiveDirectly in our village. Many were suffering a lot before the transfers came in, but at the moment everything has completely changed in every household. Those who had no hope of ever living in good houses are now enjoying good living conditions, and even their farming activities have improved a great deal. Everyone was treated fairly - a reason that no one complains to date, but thankful for the generous support.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
On receiving the first second transfer, I had started the construction of a new house and had to ensure its completion with KES 37000 out of the second transfer. In the past few months, I was living in a small house that had been leaking on the roof and would cost me a lot in repairing during the rainy seasons. I am happy that we are now enjoying the warmth of a newly constructed house with no worry at all even with a heavy downpour. I also spent part of the remaining amount on purchasing a goat at KES 5000 that I am currently rearing to serve the future financial needs, purchased clothing for my three children worth KES 7000, and deposited the remaining amount to my husband's account, knowing that I will always get them whenever I need as he has been giving me unconditional financial support as well.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($495 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received the transfer from GiveDirectly I felt so happy. I remember it was around 10 am. I was from the merry go round group. When I heard a message tone from my phone. When I checked it out I couldn't believe my eyes , there was a message confirming that I have received money from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy because I have never received such amount of money before. I immediately rushed home to inform my family members. They were so happy and the really celebrated. I knew I would be able to build a shop.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have started to build a shop. I had always wished to own a shop but it was not easy. The construction is on going now. I depend on casual jobs and small scale farming at home. The amount of money that I get through this is so small and is only for the family household items. I didn't had the extra money to save to purchase the building materials. My spouse too does causal jobs and the small money that he gets is for school fees and basic household needs. We had the idea of building a shop and starting a business. We didn't had the capital to purchase the building materials. When I received the transfer from GiveDirectly I felt so happy. I purchased the bricks, sand and cement. I was able to hire workers and the construction started immediately. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has enabled us to fulfilled our dream.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent the money I received from GiveDirectly to purchase building materials and started to build a shop. The construction is still on going. I had always wished to own a shop for business but since I didn't had the money all this was not possible. The rest of the money I spent on food and clothes for my family members. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has changed our living standards. It has enabled us to own assets which could have taken quite some time.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My ambition is to be a business woman and own a shop within the village. I had started purchasing construction materials such as stones for a shop but the capital I had was not enough. I will use KES 40,000 to purchase construction materials and build the shop, KES 10,000 for goods such as sugar, rice and snacks to be sold in the shop.The remaining transfer will be used for my daughter's school fees who is to join college before the year ends.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is the morning, waking up each day healthy and able to work and take care of my family is what brings me joy
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship is financial constraints, my husband works as a casual labourer and uses his income of KES 20,000 to pay for all our bills. We have children in school and most times paying for their school fees is an issue, we have to choose our priorities well, whether it's to pay school fees, buy food or save some money for future investments.
