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
55000 KES ($436 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I established a goal for the end after realizing that plastering will enhance the charm and beauty of my home. I want to plaster and paint my house before the middle of this year in that sense. I thought this was important since living in a beautiful area makes one feel content, secure, and self-assured.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
By conducting community training and letting us know when the money would be available, GiveDirectly did a good job, in my opinion. We were able to choose the best option thanks to this. As a result of the transfer being unconditional, we also had the freedom to decide how to meet our needs. I believe they should not alter anything about the procedure as a whole.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Being without a toilet at home was incredibly dishonorable and unsanitary. Not only had I grown weary of taking people to the neighbor's toilet, but I was also tired of walking to the bush for nature calls. I spent $100 to complete the construction of a toilet that I had begun with the first transfer when I received the second. After that, I set up a shop where I offer a range of goods, including food and household goods. I invested $200 in goods to ensure that the shop would be steady and provide for my clients adequately enough for me to make a profit. The business aspired to bring in money to cover my family's essential expenses. I also bought two sacks of maize for $140 to ensure my family has enough food at home.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($464 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
While still on the bed at around 7 am because it was chilly, I heard my phone vibrate twice. I called my helper who was just at a stone-through distance to come and check what kind of a message it was. After the confirmation that I had received the first transfer from GiveDirectly, I was damp-founded. I did not know how to react due to the happiness that engulfed me. After composing myself, I opted to go and withdraw the money immediately for security purposes fearing someone may take my phone.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Due to my old age, I am unable to fetch water from a distance. I am grateful to receive the transfer because it enabled me to facilitate the reconnection of water at my home and I am now getting water from my house. Settling the debt of KES 11000.00 could not be possible if it were not for GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I withdrew the money, I desired to ensure I have access to fresh water at my home because I am unable to fetch water from a distance. Initially, we had tap water but the services were cut off due to a debt that accumulated. Therefore, I opted to clear the debt of KES 11000.00 so that the water could be reconnected, and I am glad the reconnection was done and I have access to water now. Thereafter, I did some finishing to my house by painting the walls to make it look nice. I also did a cement floor to my pit latrine to make it convenient for use.
For the remaining amount, I opted to keep it for my family's upkeep.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
The death of my husband was the genesis of misery and suffering in my family. I was later forced to raise my five children alone without the help of anyone. I have been struggling to raise my grandchildren too because my son relies on selling palm wine, which has not been reliable. On top of what my son does, I am planning to use 70,000KES to start a retail shop in the village. I will be selling commodities that is maize flour, wheat flour, laundry soap, cooking oil, painkillers, from my house so that I can save on the costs of renting a shop. I will use a further 10,000KES to bring tap water into my house for sale. Most of my village members are forced to travel longer distances to get water. With tap water in my compound, I will be able to sell and use the profits to educate my grandchildren.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have had a bowl which had denied me some peaceful sleep for long. A few months ago, my son took me to the hospital and I successfully got proper treatment. I'm now free from the pains and this has brought joy in my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest challenge I'm currently facing is persistent abdominal pains which have rendered me unable to perform my daily duties especially subsistence farming and household chores. I have been to several hospitals yet my situation is getting worse. To add on the pains, I recently got an injury on my right leg as I was working in the farm. These are the biggest challenges I'm facing.
