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
55000 KES ($457 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 that I didn't have before receiving the cash transfer which is to start a new business( a retail shop or a hotel). I believe if I will be able to get the capital I will be able to run this business smoothly because there are few shops in our region. Also, it will be a relief to me because I have been depending on low-paying jobs to meet my family's needs.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did its best in its, especially during the enrolment period, no one was left behind as long as he or she was a resident of the given village. There was fairness and this brought peace throughout their visit to our village. I do not see any part that needs a change.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying three goats at a total of KES 15000. For so many years, I have been yearning to own them but I couldn't afford any at my cost because they were expensive. Having them has restored my joy and hope in life because I believe I will no longer have to strain in case of any financial emergencies. Also, I bought iron sheets at KES 25000, and building poles for 10000, for the construction of a new house for my five children who have been sleeping at their friend's houses. My house was not spacious enough besides, they are now grownups and deserved privacy. I also paid KES 3500 for my son in primary school and this has enabled him to sit for the exams with his colleagues. With the remaining amount, I bought food for my seven family members and other household needs.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($480 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Running the normal errands at home such as rearing the goats, I received an MPESA text on my phone. I took a look and could not contain my joy as I had an additional KES 55000 from GiveDirectly. I kept smiling all the way and was able to withdraw the cash the following day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I have been able to clear all school fees arrears hence my kids are now in a position not to be sent home due to any fee balances. I also got enough food for the household thus we do not sleep hungry.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Being a mason, the daily and weekly pay is not adequate to support all the family needs around. Hence, with the funds received, I paid school fees for my three kids at KES 45000 and was relieved as they would now receive uninterrupted lessons for the term to come. More to that, I bought a mattress and a bed with the balance of KES 10000. I have been forever grateful to GiveDirectly for the incentives.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I do house construction for my livelihood. Am a father of four, the firstborn is in college, two of my children are in secondary school and the last two are in primary school. Raising fees has been challenged by the minimal wages I get in a day which is approximately KES 500. The cash which I will receive will help me in clearing fee arrears which add up to KES 45 000 across all my children.Secondly, my wife had a dream of keeping goats.She used to own over fifteen goats.Unfortunately we had to sell all of them to pay school fees. With KES 15 000 from the transfers, I will be able revamp her dream by buying three galla goats which are quick to multiply.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Having my firstborn child joining college to do clinical medicine and surgery gave as a reason to smile. The struggle and hardwork employed broke all odds. He has been going to school without food and he spent most of the time at home due to fee balances. Luckily, he succeeded and he is now in a medical school.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I do masonry which is seasonal. Sometimes I spend a whole week without getting a job. This forced me to look for an alternative source of income, selling firewood during the low seasons. Sadly, the forest from which I have been getting firewood was cleared for farming activities. Currently, I depend on loans for my survival. The lack of a reliable job has been the source of my distress.
