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 ($435 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?
As I move to the new house that I just built, I hope to change a lot of the things that I had in the old houses. I also intend to furnish the interior of the main house by bringing in new furniture and repainting the walls, which I was unable to do with transfers. I am currently dependent on subsistence farming, which I have always sold the surplus of during a good season to earn some money. As I prepare for my turn in January, I am looking forward to the harvest proceeds, which will fund the informal groups in which I have been participating.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did an excellent job, which we appreciate and are still pleased with after spending the funds. I appreciate the uncompromised spending that was not influenced by GiveDirectly. We were all very excited when we got the chance to enroll because we had been hearing about the testimonies from afar. Everyone appreciated and comprehended the entire procedure, and nothing should be changed even in other villages.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used $250 of my second transfer to purchase 13 more iron sheets, construct poles, and cover the $40 labor cost of finishing the second house I began with the first transfer. I also spent $80 on food for my family of three, as well as $100 on new clothes for my child, a pair for my spouse, and some pairs for myself. I put the rest of the money in my savings account and have been using it to replenish household goods whenever we run out. Even though we are still looking for new furniture for the main house, I am relieved that the construction of the two new houses is complete.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($482 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 4 pm and I was in my daughter-in-law's house charging my phone. I heard my phone vibrate and I requested her to check for me upon checking, she confirmed that it was an MPESA message confirming receipt of my transfer from Givedirectly I couldn't believe we all celebrated the good news.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the construction of a new spacious house. I am grateful that the dream I had has come to pass and I am looking forward to the second transfer so that I can do more.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving my first transfer, I invested Kshs.25,000 in building a spacious house for my four family members.We had been living in a grass thatched house which couldn't accommodate all of us.We are so happy that we have a bigger space and we can spent our nights without worry of being rained on during rainy season.With Ksh7,800,I also bought furniture for my new house which made it neat and complete.I also bought a sack of maize at Kshs.4,500 which will sustains for some months.I also decided to save the remaining part of transfer for an emergencies.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have lived in a single grass-thatched house for the last 40 years. Although the house is still in good shape, it is however small to accommodate my family and also visitors who occasionally come to check on me. Since the roof is made of grass, I am not able to harvest rainwater every time it rains and this has forced me to always go to the river to fetch even during rainy seasons. At my age I cannot carry a 20-liter jerrican of water on my back because of persistent backaches that comes with it. Due to these frustrations, my desire is to build a 24-iron sheet house at a cost of KES 25000. Receiving this money will mean a decent house for me and my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In September last year, my only cow calved and all along I have been getting 4-5liters of milk every morning. I sell this to milk vendors at a cost of KES 40 a liter and this has enabled me to comfortably buy other basic needs like maize flour and vegetables. This has been my ultimate source of happiness.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food security is the biggest challenge that I currently face. This is occasioned by persistent drought that is witnessed every year in this area. I have a 0.5-acre farm that I plant maize, beans and sometimes sweet potatoes but it all wither and die before I harvest. I have two grandchildren under my care and I am not in a position to sufficiently meet their basic needs like food and clothing. I am not happy about the fact that these children are not getting the best care
