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 ($466 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?
As at now I have not set some goals yet since I do not have any prospects of getting money soon. Once I get some money I will set tangible goals that will see my life changing to better.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The organization did a splendid job. Personally I can not complain rather than being grateful for the support that I received from GiveDirectly. The organization enabled me to increase the size of my house gich was very small by adding an extra room.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After getting the second transfer, I bought 5 pieces of iron sheets for KES 4500.00. These iron sheets were for completing a roof of an extra room that I added to my house after getting the first transfer. I also bought six goats for KES 24000.00. Having done the two issues, I took an adequate stock of food for the family to ensure food security at my home.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($488 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was busy packaging charcoal for sale in the forest when I received the message alert on my phone. Being illiterate, I could not understand its content. I had to leave what I was doing to go home to inform my helper to check my phone. I was so happy when the helper informed me that I had received the transfer. I had to inform my husband who was in the house resting on the bed. It was very happy for my family and jointly we celebrated receiving our transfer that would transform our life for the better.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is that I am now living a happy life, I can feed my family without struggling after purchasing enough food. We are no longer going to bed without food like before. In addition, I am not worried about where to get food for the family. Furthermore, I was able to boost my livestock rearing a future investment for the family in case of any financial crisis that I might face in the future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES10,150 to purchase 6 goats this was to boost my livestock rearing a career that I had been depending for my family's upkeep. I also used KES 25,000 to improve the condition of the house by constructing an additional room. The one I had was very small to fully accommodate the family. Most of the time I had to seek refuge from my neighbor whenever I received visitors in the house which was very embarrassing. The remaining amount assisted me in acquiring enough foodstuff for the family, this is because we are experiencing famine in our area.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a furnished decent and spacious house for my family. The house I currently reside in is very old and the walls are no longer stable. This is risky given that the walls might collapse anytime. I am planning to use the first transfer from GiveDirectly to construct a three bedroom house for my family. One room will host my husband and I, the other room for my grandchildren and the third room for any visitor. The house will cost me KES. 55,000 equalling to the first transfer. I will further use KES. 30,000 from the second transfer to buy a new bed and a matress to replace the old beddings. Doing all this will make me happy because I will have managed to fulfil my desires.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the afternoon. I take a rest in the afternoon unlike in the morning and evening where I engage in energy draining charcoal burning.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in my life is lack of a nice house for my family. We leave under an old house with cracked walls and leaking roof. This has made our life way difficult something that denies me the peace I have always desired to have as an old woman. During the rainy seasons, I can spend the whole night sitted on my bed because of the pounding rains.
