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
55000 KES ($491 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?
I had no new goals as the goal was to complete the house I started building with money from the first transfer because I wanted a bigger and better house than the one we were living in previously. I had wanted to get a bigger and better house all along but did not have the means to do get one. I had also intended to get one goat which I bought using part of this transfer.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly is doing everything well and I am so grateful for the assistance it gave us. We are so happy and proud of the steps and development projects we were able to undertake and achieve. All thanks to GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of the money on completing the house I had started building with money from the first transfer. It cost KES40000 in materials and labor charges because I had to hire masons to construct homemade concrete blocks as well as the other requirements. I did this because I needed a better, nice, and permanent place to sleep for my family and myself because money can come and go but a permanent structure will stay around for long and that is the reason I did not want to finish the money without having fulfilled this desire. I also bought one goat for KES3000 which is an investment as well, and I will be able to depend on it in the future for I believe it will multiply and increase in numbers.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was wakened by the loud message notification on my phone. I remember It was around 5 am when I was still on my bed. I was curious to know the content of the messages since it was unusual to receive a message at that time. Joy filled my heart after realized that it was my transfer from GiveDirectly. I immediately shared the good news with my husband and we jointly thank God for the opportunity.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am currently living in a comfortable and decent house with my family. Previously, my house was old, small, and about to collapse which made our lives miserable. We were ever worried that something bad could happen any time because of the bad condition of our house.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to purchase 26 iron sheets at KES 870 each, building poles, and set aside KES 8,000 for payment of labour costs. This was for the construction of a decent shelter for my family. The one I had initially was old, open-roofed after it was blown away by strong winds, and the walls were collapsing. It was not worth living since it risks the lives of my family members. I had wished to build a new one but poverty made me lost this hope. The aid from GiveDirectly had rekindled my ambitions of owning a new shelter. In addition, I also bought 2 goats for KES 7000, this is a long-term investment for my family. I will be able to rely on incase of any financial difficulty. Furthermore, I spent KES 3000 to purchase proper clothes for my children since they were wearing old clothes with a lot of patches something that makes me feel embarrassed.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a reliable source of income for my family. I am a subsistence farmer who depends solely on my husband for financial requirements. This weighs him down because his job is not consistent. My plan therefore is to start a goat rearing project with the help of these transfers. Once they multiply I will be selling the produce to cater our needs such as food, clothing and education for our children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Nothing makes me happy than going to bed after a very tiresome day. Taking care of 3 small children plus other household chores is not a walk in the park. My day ends with alot of exhaustion and I can't wait to rest. I can therefore say evening is the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of enough finances is my biggest hardship. This has resulted to us being unable to meet our needs comfortably. My children are almost half naked as it takes blood and sweat to purchase new clothes. In most cases I am forced to take goods on credit because I cannot allow my family to stay hungry. The little that my husband's get goes into clearing the debts and the cycle continues.
