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?
After accomplishing all the plans that I had put in place right after receiving the first and the second transfer, I now have a new goal to fence all around my farms and to subdivide them into paddocks. I have been struggling with my livestock that is always restrained by tethering. Fencing it all around will enhance an efficient rotational program for my livestock and easy management that can allow me to do other activities alongside as well.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
We are thankful for the unconditional transfer that we received from GiveDirectly. The money I received enabled me to change a lot and I am glad that I was given the freedom to deliver on the promises I had for myself as GiveDirectly delivered after promising us the support. I have no complaints at all about what GiveDirectly did in the village but praying that they would even do more in other villages.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The second transfer was beneficial to me in completing a lot of projects that I had been pushing on to ensure their completion before the exhaustion of the money that I received. The KES 17000 chunk from the second transfer ensured the completion of the new house that I had initiated with the first transfer. I also settled the labor charges of KES 2400 that were still pending pay on the construction of my new house. I also spend KES 5600 on foodstuff, KES 2600 on improving my farming practices after tilling the land, buying the fertilizers, and also certifying seeds, I also obtained a sheep that I will be rearing as a future investment to enhance settling of major bills that could arise. I also spend KES 2000 on my clothing and saved the remaining amount that has been helping me in sorting other emergencies.
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?
It was around 9 am and I was at home relaxing when I heard a message tone from my phone. I called my helper and requested her to help me check its contents. I became so happy when she informed me that it was a message confirming that I had received money from GiveDirectly. My family was equally so happy and grateful for the support. I knew I would finally be able to achieve all my plans on time.
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 am happier than before because I have been able to continue with the construction of my house. It is almost being completed and I am glad that very soon, I will start living in a permanent house that is easier to maintain and clean. In addition, the fact that I was able to restock my shop makes me happy because I am now getting more profits than before. This has been possible since most people come to my shop as they are sure that they will get 99% of the items they need.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
On receiving my transfer I spent KES 30000 on finishing the house that I had already started building before GiveDirectly came for enrollment. I was able to achieve this by buying some sand, doors, and six bags of cement. In addition, I spent KES 5000 on one sack of maize and other foodstuffs for our consumption. Using the remaining KES 20000, I added some stock to the retail business that my daughter operates.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means better housing for me. I have a house I started building two years ago that is yet to be completed. The previous house I had was grass thatched, which was leaking. Currently, I use a makeshift structure as my kitchen as I build the other one. It has stalled due to a lack of finances. It will cost me KES 50000. For the remaining amount, I will pay school fees for my grandchildren.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest of my day is in the afternoon. At this time my grandchildren are back from lunch, we get to eat together with them. It makes me happy to see my grandchildren healthy and happy, I get to ask about their progress in school at this time
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship was when my husband became sick in 2011 when he was diagnosed with a stroke that paralyzed him. He was therefore not able to run a family business he had started, we ended up selling it. The money from selling the business was used to cater for his medication until he passed on three years ago. Since then we just rely on our farm which is very unsustainable.
