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 ($482 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Had it not been for this transfer, I wouldn't have been able to build a house for my family.
I work as a security guard at the nearby shopping centre. The money I earn is not enough to cater for our living expenses, especially food, shelter and clothing. Because of this, we lived in a modest grass thatched house. I've always wanted to build a better home for my wife and unborn child. Once I received the transfer from GD, I was able to do this. I was also able to buy goats that will give us fresh milk that we can use in our household. In addition, I honoured my in-laws by paying dowry. I have wanted to do this for a long time, but did not have the money. This would make me feel inadequate as a man. All this however, has changed. 'm very thankful for this transfer from GD.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly's operations are efficient, which has contributed to improving the lives of many people in my community. Many of us lived in abject poverty, which is not the case anymore. We have been able to build decent houses and establish sources of income, thanks to the donations from GD.
In my opinion, there isn't anything GiveDirectly does not do well. In my experience, everything has gone smoothly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
As a man, it's important for me to honour my in-laws, by paying dowry. I used KES 10,000 of the transfer to do this. I then acquired five goats worth KES 22,500. My family now has a constant supply of milk for use at home and we plan on selling a few of them whenever we need money. The remaining amount of KES 20,650 was spent on building my house. We finally have a decent place to call home, and this makes me happy.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($510 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 9 AM when I was on my way to the usual workplace, then my phone started ringing continuously. I decided immediately decided to check its notification. Only to confirm it was an Mpesa message from Segovia Technology. I felt so happy and even decided to go back home because I couldn't contain the joy of receiving the good news.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
For all those years, I have been relying on casual jobs with meagre income and being the breadwinner I had to make sure ends meets. Most of the days, I could not afford to buy their daily meals and this used to frustrate me a lot. In addition to this, I had even lost hope in life and I never thought I would renovate my house anytime soon. Therefore the coming of GiveDirectly into my life is a prayer answered for me. I am now sleeping in a better place and I no longer seek shelter as I used to do especially during the rainy seasons. My house is now decent and spacious enough, besides I can also provide for my family needs without any straggles as before. According to me, this makes the biggest difference in my daily life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying building materials such as iron sheets, timber and nails. This was for the renovation of a new roof for my previous house becasue it has an old roof and some of its walls which were almost falling and I was afraid it would collapse anytime. Also, I bought chicken as an asset that I can rely on at any time considering I have been yearning to start poultry farming. Also, I cleared fees for my brother who was in secondary school. With the remaining, I bought enough food for my family
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I married 5 months ago and we are expecting a child. My current house is not in a standard that I would like my child to be raised. The roof leaks during the rainy season and this may not be good for my child's health. Receiving this money will therefore help me build a new and spacious two roomed house. This will cost me approximately 400 USD.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am a security officer at a nearby school. I mostly work on night duty. The happiest part of my day is in the morning. Night shifts can be very boring because all the world is asleep. I feel happy when I see another day alive and healthy. I take a few hours in the morning to take a nap before embarking on other duties such as farming.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial constraints has been my biggest hardship in life. I was brought up in a very humble polygamous set up. I have 7 siblings , not to mention my step brothers. My parents could not afford school fees for me to study beyond primary education. My dream was finishing my studies, building a decent house, marrying early enough and raising my children well. I married my wife few months ago at the age of 36, and have not build a decent house. Lack of finances are to blame for my plans not going as expected.
