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 ($518 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different in that I managed to build a new iron roofed house. I did not have a good house. I was only sheltering in a grass thatched hut. I am happily staying with my family in the new house, which is the greatest achievement to me. I also paid for my children's school fees which was a challenge to me. I paid for them on time through this transfer. I also replaced my old bedding with new ones and at least I can now afford to sleep comfortably.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has done well in changing our living standards because through this money, we built new houses, bought livestock which we never owned before. I do not see anything that GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I have been unable replace my beddings for a long time. They were old and worn out. When I received my second transfer, I bought a new bed and a mattress. I now sleep comfortably unlike before after changing them. Apart from this, I also completed my house by purchasing iron sheets and nails and paid for the labour at KES 17000. In addition to these, I also spent KES 11000 on buying three goats that I am keeping in my homestead. I spent the remaining amount to buy some food and paying for some household expenses.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($532 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now own goats. I am hoping that very soon they will multiply since currently, some have started reproducing. My wish is to start up a business of buying and selling the offsprings when they mature. From that, I believe I will be able to acquire some good profit. It is from this profit that I am planning to start a kiosk which will bring my additional income. Through that, I will get an income that will help me in paying school fees for my children and also cater to some other basic needs for my family.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I remember well that it was around 10:00 PM when I saw the notification on my mobile phone. When I checked its content, I realized it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly informing me that I have received my first transfer. I was so glad because I did not believe it would happen actually turn into reality. I felt so happy and immediately planned on how well I will spend the transfer.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some building materials which included building poles, twenty-four pieces of iron sheets, some nails and paid the Manson. This was for the construction of a new house because my previous one was small and in a critical condition. I also paid school fees for my two children who are in secondary school because they have always been sent home to collect school fees. To a parent, this is the biggest stress. I then bought goats as my assets and with the remaining amount of money I bought sufficient foodstuffs for my family that would take us a month's time.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My aspiration has been to live a decent life like others in the village, but this wish has never come through. This is because, my husband abandoned me three years ago, something that has forced me to be engaged in man dominated businesses like masonry labourer, a job that has subjected me to ridicule. My earnings has never been enough to support my family's basic needs like education, food, clothing and shelter. Receiving this money means enabling me to start a hotel business in order to have a reliable source of income. I also plan to construct a good house for myself because the one I currently live in is not worthy for living. The remaining amount will support my children's education, and this is basically what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
When I wake up in the morning, I prepare my children to school. After they have gone, I usually go to the working site to do my daily work. This makes my afternoon hours busy and tiresome to me. It is only in the evening when I am back home, I get time to rest and share meals with my children. Therefore, I consider evening as the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Being a solely bread winner in my family, I am forced to work as a masonry labourer, a job which is considered for men. This job is very laborious and it drains my energy yet it's income is very low that can not sustain our family needs like education, food, shelter and clothing. Therefore, I consider lack of reliable source of income as my biggest hardship.
