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 ($493 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
As a family, our living standard has greatly improved. We dress well and have sufficient food. With the water tank that I purchased, I no longer have to work miles away in search of fresh water for household consumption. I also have a spacious kitchen and furniture. Was it not for the transfer, I would still be in a sorry state in terms of well-being.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
First of all, I'm super grateful for the good work the organization has done in our village. In my opinion, giving people money and allowing them to choose freely on things to spend on is good. Indeed, people have varying needs and such an initiative really meets people at their points of need.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my second transfer on bed and mattress worth KES 9,000, a 1500L water tank at KES 13,500, and house improvement -- roof and floor replacement at KES 25,000. I also gave out KES 4,000 as a tithe in church. I feel satisfied having achieved all that I had planned to do before I received that money.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($502 USD)
access_time almost 4 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 11 am when I heard the phone ring and I handed over the phone to my helper who confirmed that I had received the money and I was very happy Immediately, we prepared to go to the nearest MoMo agent but we weren't successful but went for the money the next day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is building a better and spacious kitchen which I had desired to build but I couldn't afford. We used to depend on farming which would cater for school fees majorly. The seats have made my house which was like a big hall to be more cosy.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 25,000 of my transfer on building a two roomed semi permanent kitchen. This is because initially I had a tiny grass thatched roof house which was built over fourty years and had leaking grass thatched and we used to squeeze therein with my old girls. I spent KES 6800 on four three seater sofasets because I had never dreamt of having such because I used to rely on the old arm chairs. I spent KES 4500 on a sheep because initially I had many sheep which were sold off for school fees for my kids. I also spent KES 8000 on clothing and KES 6500 on a phone for my daughter who just completed college. I also spent the rest on Christmas celebration.
Enrolled
access_time almost 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have struggled hard all my life supporting my children's needs and now that they are no longer dependent on me, I aspire to live a comfortable life than before. Receiving this money will enable me to build a two-roomed iron-roofed kitchen that will cost a total of $250. One of the rooms will serve as a bedroom to my visitors, thus no more shame of asking my neighbors to host them at night whenever they come visiting. I also plan to spend $250 to buy 8 goats that will act as my store of wealth to be sold whenever there is a need for emergency cash. I will then buy household furniture and install a solar panel in my house costing @300
What is the happiest part of your day?
I usually spend my mornings doing my household chores, after which I go to the farm till midday. After taking my lunchtime meal, I resort to rest since I usually feel exhausted by this time. The afternoon rest keeps me rejuvenated which makes this the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Supporting the needs of my 8 children more so educating them all through primary school level to the college level has been a huge financial strain on me, which has made me live a miserable life. I have had to skip meals severally due to scarcity of money to buy food. I ended up selling my livestock and my 5-acre piece of land 2 years back in order to pay their school fees. The House I stay in with my spouse is in an unpleasant condition (it is too old and leaks in water whenever it rains). Worst of all, I have had to face ridicule from my neighbors who usually help me host my visitors at night whenever they come visiting. This is the biggest hardship I have faced.
