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 ($525 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 from how it would have been had I not received the transfer. First, I have been able to acquire a piece of land. I am currently building a house there and I believe that I will be relocating soon since I currently live in a borrowed house. Also, the transfer enabled to to acquire a motorcycle that I currently operate. This has enabled to cater for my family needs on time unlike before.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well by deciding to give us the financial aid and I do not see anything that they did not so well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
Before GiveDirectly came for enrollment, I used to operate a motorcycle for one of my neighbors. In a day, I would give the owner Kes 300 and the remaining amount was my pay after fueling the motorcycle. During hard times, my family would go to bed on empty stomach as I would earn nothing. My second transfer enabled me to buy a second hand motorcycle that I operate and in a good day, I earn between KES 500 and KES 1000 after fueling it. I settled on buying a motorcycle so that I would also feel the joy of being self employed.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($530 USD)
access_time 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 have built a better and spacious house for my family. We used to live in a small house together with my family which is a taboo. I depend on the casual jobs in the village and the small amount of money that I earn is only for the basic needs of the money. When I had visitors they could spend the nights at the neighbor's place and this was risky because of the insecurity. Currently, I have built a better and spacious house. My children have a good place to sleep and do their homework without any disturbances. I also have a room for the visitors. I no longer shy to welcome people to my house like before. I am so much grateful for the support from GiveDirecly.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received the money I felt so happy. I remember it was very early in the morning when my neighbor called me to asked if I have received the money from GiveDirectly. I immediately checked my phone and I saw the message Confirming that I have received 55000 KES. I felt so happy because I have never received such an amount of money before. My spouse and children were happy too.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer to built a better and spacious house for my family, I also bought a heifer, food for my family and the rest of the money I used it pay school fees for my children.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
For a long time, I have earned my family a livelihood through motorcycle taxi operation. However I am just an employee and with a passionate desire to operate one of own. During this time I have managed to make a few savings and receiving this money will put me in a position to purchase a brand new motorcycle for taxi business. Proceeds from this business will become a constant source of income to contribute towards a village SACCO of which I am a member.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am an employed motorcycle taxi rider for a living. Most shopping centers within my community host a market day everyday of the week. Majority of my neighbors commute for trade in these markets every morning which assures me a good start for the day, thus making it the happiest part of the day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Maize farming require the input and know-how of a skilled agricultural extension. However, most families do not afford their services due to poverty. Farmers in my community have had to endure more than five years of poor yields due to a soil borne disease that has taken a toll on our crops. When this happen, children are subjected to malnutrition due to poor dieting. Their education is further hampered when they drop out of school as most parents use their produce to pay fees in kind.
