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 ($460 USD)
access_time almost 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 and I am grateful
for the decent house that I was able to construct through financial support. For so many years I have had to sleep under a small house that even collapsed some days back before being enrolled. Currently, I am sleeping under one roof with all my family members which have been my dream.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well by making sure that each needy household equally received the cash transfers without any discrimination. Also, there were no restrictions regarding how to utilize the cash. I do not see any part that the organization failed us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying three goats at a total of KES 14400. I am super excited to fulfilling one of my heart's desires. I settled for them because they can survive so well in my region and their offspring mature very fast. Also, I bought building materials such as timber, and nails, at a total of KES 15000. This was for the completion of my house since the previous one was not in a good state and was small in size to accommodate a family of three. I am a happy mother because finally, I have been able to sleep under one roof with my family members. Also, I cleared school fees of KES 20000 for my son who is in secondary school. With the remaining amount of money, I purchased foodstuffs for my family and other household items.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
While in bed as early as 8pm, I received a message in my phone. I said to myself, “I will contact my helper in the morning.” Very early, I contacted him and after checking, he told me that it was the 1st transfer from GiveDirectly. I ululated in happiness for receiving this huge sum of money at once for the first time.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Initially I was living a miserable life. But since the time I received the first transfer, I am seeing light. It wasn’t safe to stay in a collapsing house but I had no alternative due to poverty, but as at now I will be living I a good and secured house once the construction is complete.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I withdrew the money, I bought 20 pieces of iron sheets for KES 10000.00, building poles and rafters for KES2600.00 ridges for KES 1000.00 and some nails. The aim of buying these materials was to construct a house since the one I had was not in a good condition. It was leaking during rainy season and also had some cracks that may lead to collapsing. I also paid KES 11500.00 school fees for my secondary child and kept the rest for family upkeep.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a source of wealth to my family. I plan to achieve this through livestock rearing. I will spend KES 30000 to buy 10 goats since they survive better during drought. My house is small and the walls are almost falling off. I will use KES 40000 to build a better house with two bedrooms and an iron sheets roof. The remaining amount will be invested in my daughter's educational needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Last month my application for an educational bursary for my daughter succeeded after many failed attempts. I got KES 5000 for my child in secondary school. I was very happy, since I was able to reduce the arreas that I had.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial instability has been the biggest challenge that I am currently facing. This has been made worse by the current drought that we are experiencing in our area. The little amount I earn from my charcoal work cannot fully support all my households expenses. I have a daughter who is in secondary school, paying school fees to her has been a problem for me.
