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
53150 KES ($465 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 do not have any new goals so far that I can mention apart from the one we had discussed earlier. The house that I am currently constructing is one of the goals that I had been yearning to fulfill and I am glad in two weeks this will be accomplished. The previous house had collapsed and I used to shelter in temporary huts, with my nine children. This has been a tough experience that I never thought would come to an end.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
According to me, GiveDirectly has made a very great impact in my village. This is evident since 90% of the people in the village now have quite a several livestock. Previously, no one owned livestock, nor any living assets. Also, 100% of us have iron-roofed houses which replaced the grass thatched houses. I do not see anything GiveDirectly is not doing well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying seven goats at KES 21000. I have been yearning to have them for a long but I could afford them because they were quite costly. I purchased them to start a business is buying and selling the offspring once they mature. This will soon be my reliable job since some have started reproducing. I also cleared school fees arrears of KES 3500 for my seven kids who are in primary school. In addition to that, I saved KES 7000 in case of any emergency that may arise. With the remaining amount, I bought have been buying foodstuff for my family and catering for any household expenses.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($492 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
While I was sitting, resting from the previous day's work I received a message at around 9am. I was overwhelmed after opening the message and swa the transfer information from GiveDirectly.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Having a good permanent house says it all. I had been struggling up and down on how I could rescue myself from this pathetic situation but God is faithful. From nowhere, I heard of GiveDirectly and I am thankful since they honored their words.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Initially I had no house at all. I was just sleeping in a hut covered with grasses which were also tarterd. I bought 24 pieces of iron sheets for KES 20400.00, 5 plain sheets for KES 1250.00, 3kg nails for KES 750.00. I also bought poles and rafters for KES 5300. Having children who are still in primary school, I paid some fees for KES 7500.00
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means restoring the dignity that I have lost for a long time. This is because I am currently sharing a small and leaking house with my family of 10 which does not give me privacy. My plan once I receive this transfer is to spend KES 50000 to construct a two-bedroom spacious house to accommodate my family of 10. I have also desired to invest in livestock because it is the only way I can save my money to earn a profit when I sale them after they multiply, therefore, I intend to start with 10 goats that will cost KES 30000. The remaining amount will support my children's education and hence, ensure they perform well in school.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning. Waking up healthy with the rest of my family despite all the life challenges gives me hope for a better future.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband is a charcoal burner and I am a palm wine vendor. Considering our earnings that are usually KES 8000 per month, it is very hard to cater to all our needs and sometimes we skip meals. Therefore, financial instability is the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life.
