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?
My husband has been so supportive to my family - moving out daily in search of casual labor that would help us in settling all the household bills and ensuring that we get the daily bread. After the receipt and spending of all the transfers as per the plans we had, I feel I should also start a small business within the immediate shopping center that would be an income-generating source for my family. This will give my husband a helping hand since I will no longer be dependent on every need, but will also be chipping in whenever I have some to offer.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Right from the meeting that we did with the GiveDirectly officers who had visited, every other thing that followed was well done. Just like every other member of the village, I was satisfied by the approach and thankful that I was able to spend in the best ways I knew without anyone dictating how I should have spent the transfers. I have no complaint at all but wish GiveDirectly the best as they even move to the other nearby villages.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The second transfer came in when we had set everything straight on how we needed to spend the whole of it after perfect spending of the first transfer as well. At this moment I needed a new house, a new piece of furniture, and also to ensure that I settle all the school fees payment and equipped my children with new school uniforms. Out of the whole amount, I spend KES 24950 on the complete construction and the fixing of the window frames and also used KES 8000 on the purchase of a new piece of furniture. I am happy that the house is now complete and can accommodate us comfortably unlike in the past when we would share a small space in the old house. I also spent KEs 7000 on the new clothing for my children, paid KES 2800 for their school fees, and also purchased them new pairs of school uniforms and other school requirements with the remaining amount.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($499 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 9:30 am when I received a message bearing the great news I had been expecting after I was enrolled. I was so excited when I confirmed as I had a lot lined up to be accomplished once I receive the transfer. I had plans that morning to let cows out to the grazing field but had to hold on first as I needed to ensure that my husband know what we had received before making any decision to withdraw. Since he was home then, I informed him and he was so excited too to know the same.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the great space we are currently enjoying in our new house. We had been living in a smaller one but after the complete construction, we can now use the smaller one as a kitchen that can also offer enough sleeping space for the children, and the other bigger house as the main house that can provide room for the visitors. I am glad that this has been possible and grateful to God also as we had been able to carry out all, those plans without any difficulty.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving the first transfer, I spent the first KES 23250 on the construction of a new house. I obtained 25 iron sheets each at KES 750 nails and also paid the labor force at KES 4500. I needed a new and bigger than the only one I am currently having as I already demolished the old kitchen. I also bought three sheep at KES 12000 that I am currently rearing with a plan to see them, reproduce, and earn me some income after selling the young one. with the remaining amount, I also had to pay school fees for my four primary school kids, obtained a new uniform for them at KES 3000, and also obtained foodstuff at KES 2800 since we had not been having enough to keep us for the next two months. I am glad that I managed to sort the most urgent needs in my household and hopeful that I will further accomplish more with the second transfer.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a better living standard for my family. I plan to invest this transfer in dairy farming. I have been depending on subsistence farming but due to prolonged drought in my area it has not been doing well. I will buy two Dairy cows Worth Ksh 80,000. My projection is that each cow will give me 15 liter's of milk a day, since there is ready market for milk I'll will be making Good money when I send to the nearby schools and that will give me daily income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening. It is at because I get time to rest after a long day work. As a mother I have a lot of activities to do like household chores, preparing children to school, preparing their lunch and dinner for the family. This activities consumes a lot of energy and by the end of the day I am very tired.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship i have faced is unstable source of income. I have been depending mainly on subsistence farming but we started experiencing prolonged drought and has been very difficult. I used to havest around 30 bags of maize in our 2 acres of land, for now I harvest only 2 bags which doesn't sustain the family needs and I have to do extra casual jobs to feed my family.
