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 ($465 USD)
access_time 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 a new goal which is to buy a new solar panel. I have been thinking of having one because, for all those years, I have been using candles which were somehow expensive and sometimes I couldn't afford them. There will therefore be a relief in my entire household because apart from enough light, we will be able to charge mobile phones and those of my neighbors at a fee.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well by first sending our cash transfers into our Mpesa accounts. The transfers have improved the living standards for the majority of us in my community. A better percentage of us (100%) of us now have good shelter, decent clothes, livestock among others. Therefore I do not see anything GiveDirectly is not doing well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying one dairy cow and two goats at a total of KES 31000. I settled for them because they are the most valuable living assets that one can lean on in case of any emergency. I also cleared school fees of KES 2000 for my three sons who are in primary schools. I am glad that they are now in school studying without any hiccups. With the remaining amount of money, I bought foodstuffs for my family and other household items that I was lacking.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($510 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was in my farm looking for vegetables for my family consumption when I heard loud message notification on my phone. Being illiterate, I called my helper whom confirmed to me that it was the transfer GiveDirectly promised to send. I was very excited after receiving my transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
For a very long time, I had desired to own a decent shelter for my family but due to poverty condition that we have,I was not able to construct one. It was through the GiveDirectly transfer that I am finally living in decent and comfortable house with my children.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent big part of my transfer to purchase 16 iron sheets, building poles,timber and nails this was for the construction of a decent shelter for my family. This is because my house collapsed 3 years ago after the death of my husband, I was forced to seek shelter with my children in my kitchen which also serves as gallery. Additionally, I am planning to spent the remaining amount to purchase clothes and enough food for my family.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
When my husband died 10 years ago, the house which he left us with got collapsed and this forced us to shift to a storehouse that we used as a granary. I have wished to construct a decent house but due to financial instability, this has never been possible. Receiving this money means a dream fulfilled since I plan to spend $400 of the first transfer to construct a 2 roomed house for my family, and $100 will cater for bedding expenses. On the other hand, I intend to start livestock keeping which will act as my long-term project. I will use $300 to buy 10 goats. The remaining amount of the transfers will help me to buy foodstuffs and also pay school fees for my children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The evening is the happiest part of my day because it is at this time when I usually get maximum time to rest. The resting re-energizes me most and this gives me the hope for a better tomorrow. Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours when I am always busy working.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial instability is the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life. Ever since my husband died, I assumed the role of being a breadwinner for the family. The main source of income that I always depend on is charcoal burning, a job that is time-consuming and low paying. And considering my health condition, sometimes I experience chest pains something that worries me most.
