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
53010 KES ($418 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I hope to purchase a motorbike which will operate in the nearby town centre. According to my research, motorbike services are on high demand and we have few individuals running this kind of business. Therefore I believe that this is the best choice is I am sure the chances of this business being successful are very high. I will be earning a good income that will enable me to cater for my family's basic needs.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well by visiting each household in my village. They made sure that everyone was enrolled and received the money timely. This has led to a huge transformation in my entire village which is seen in the beautiful houses, and livestock among others. I, therefore do not see anything that needs to be changed.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying iron sheets and timber which cost around $10200. These were for the renovation of my house since my family was growing and I felt there is a need to have a separate room for my two children. They have been seeking accommodation from their friends which they were not comfortable with since they were all teenagers. I was also worried since the friends did not have good morals and my kids might end up falling into the trap. I now feel happy and thankful because at last, I have been able to restore my children's dignity and joy in life. Also, I am planning to buy six goats which will serve as assets that I will be rearing. Goats have been my favourite animals since they reproduce twice a year and their offspring take little time to mature. Additionally, I will soon start selling fresh vegetables and fruits and earn a living since I currently depend on odd jobs. It has been a struggle especially in meeting my family's needs since the income was very low.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($443 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home busy with house chores when suddenly I had my phone ring. When I checked, I noticed a Mpesa message but had no idea what it meant. My helper was not present at the time, so I had to wait for him. When he returned, he read the message and informed me that I had received my initial transfer. The joy I felt was overwhelming. I was so grateful for the help because I knew it would completely transform my life.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The most significant difference in my life today is that I had never slept on a bed or a mattress before. This has brought my children and me great joy. Because of our financial state, it was not easy to achieve this in the past. I will be eternally grateful for the turning point that improved our standard of living.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When my husband died, I was left as the sole breadwinner for my two children. I work in a mine, but my daily wage is only $1.50. This is inadequate to meet our basic needs. When I got my transfer, I opted to build a decent house for my family for $300. This was because the house I was living in was small and very old, and the roof was leaking. Due to financial constraints, I was unable to build a house previously. In addition, I spent $130 on a bed and mattress that I could not afford before due to financial constraints. Finally, I purchased a sack of maize and set aside some money for our daily needs. I am so grateful for the transfer that brought happiness to my life.
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
A decent house! At the moment, my house's roof is leaking, and at the same time braving the rough wind of our area. This has worried me so much because I am always thinking about my old mother when it rains. With transfers, I am so happy to know that, I will be able to construct a new house that will spare us from the danger of this hazardous one. To offset this menace, I intend to spend a portion of my money ($500) to ensure this dream materializes. The remaining amount will help me to buy 5 goats and a pair of oxen to have a long-term investment plan for myself. Hence, this is generally what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Despite my work being tedious, I am still grateful for the opportunity that I have had over the last six months. Although my pay ($20) per week can not fully cater to our needs, I can provide the very basics like food and clothes for my aging mother. Seeing my mother happy gives me a reason to smile and hence, my source of joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
As a widow and the breadwinner of my household, I am compelled to perform very strenuous work like quarrying to sustain the family. This work has drained my energy and, a situation that makes me look so old than I should be. Imagine spending the whole day at the quarry, maybe hungry on some days due to the nature of my work. My pay is usually $20 per week, an income that settles my bills only. I have never thought of investing because my work is just hand-to-mouth. What a sorrowful life!
