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 almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Owning a decent iron-roofed house is the biggest difference in my life. Currently, I am spending my nights in a comfortable place than before and my kids have a chance to wear nice clothes like other kids in the neighborhood. This makes me feel happy and respected because I am able to fulfil my responsibility as a parent.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDiredctly has done well by sending unconstitutional cash transfers to the extremely poor without discrimination or bias. I don't see anything wrong with the program.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $ 300 of my transfer to construct a respectable house like others in the village, by purchasing 22 iron sheets, building poles, and nails. This is because the one we had was grass thatched, about to collapse, and with a leaky roof. Furthermore, paid school fees and bought uniforms for my children. The remaining amount assisted me on purchasing some pairs of clothes to every family member and also I bought enough food stock for the family .
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 2 PM when I saw the Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. At first, I could not believe it but when I looked closely, I realized that the message was genuine. I felt so happy because I knew my life will never be the same again. I really thank God for bringing this organization to this village and for choosing me to be among the beneficiaries.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life that I will always feel proud to mention is that I now own a decent spacious house. I have been yearning to construct it for so many years but due to my financial status, I could not afford it. The previous house that I have been sheltering on was a small hut which is grass thatched and in a very poor state. During the winter seasons we could be rained on and sometimes seek shelter at my neighbor's house. My children too never had peace since when it's time to sleep they were forced to sleep at my neighbor's house of which was so inconvenient. But the coming of GiveDiectly has transformed everything because after constructing the house, the problem is solved. We are no living happily as a family and we no longer have to worry about the rains and the insecurities.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some building materials such as iron sheets, building poles, nails, and timber. I decided to build a new house because the previous one was small and with a grass-thatched leaky roof. We used to suffer a lot during the winter seasons because we would always be rained on. Also, I purchased some new school uniforms for my children who are in primary and secondary schools. In addition, I cleared their school fees arrears so that they can study without disturbances. With the remaining amount of money, I am using it in buying enough foodstuffs for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My current house is in a bad state;the roofs are leaking and the walls are almost down. It is also very small. Receiving this money will help me build a one bed room house with iron sheets to replace the grass thatched one. This will cost me approximately 300 USD. I will then buy two oxen and a plough to help in cultivating my farm. The oxen will cost me 220 USD. Ploughing using oxen help the crops survive even with little rains.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Morning is the happiest part of my day. This is because I am usually strong enough to do a lot of work. I spend most of the time in my farm and sometimes doing casual jobs whenever they are available.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Raising up my children is what has been my biggest hardship. I lost my first wife who left me with two children whom I raised with a lot of struggle for 9 years before I remarried. I now have six more children and satisfying their needs,especially food and education needs has been an uphill task. I depend on my farm which has low yields. I try supplementing with casual jobs but I still get little income from it.
