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 ($493 USD)
access_time almost 3 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 than how it would have been becasue of the goats that I purchase through the transfers. I settled in buying them becasue goats normally reproduce twice a year and their offsprings mature very faster compared to the other domestic animals. Apart from that, they require minimal supervision ad their paster is readily available. Currently, some have started reproducing which makes me hopeful and happier becasue soon I will have many of them and start other projects through them. Also, I am now healthier and happy becasue I sleep in a better wooden bed courtesy of GiveDirectly
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well because I had the privilege to own a phone through them. I had no hopes of buying ut anytime soon becasue first, I am illiterate secondly I had no money to facilitate that. I am not happier because the phone has been of great help to me not only to send and receive money but also communicating with my loved ones. I do not see any sector GD failed us
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying beddings such as a new mattress, bedsheets, and a wooden bed at a total of KES 12000. This was to replace the old traditional bed made of ropes and I wasn't comfortable with it because of the back pains. I also cleared the medical bill because I have been unwell for quite some time I had a crack on my right leg, I had an accident sometime back. During that period, I had no money to cater for the hospital bills, I am glad I am now recovering. With the remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was from the farm when my phone started vibrating continuously. On checking, I realized that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly, that had debited the first transfers as I had been promised during the enrollment. I felt so happy and started praising the Lord for bringing this organization into our village.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The fact that I can now take at least two meals a day has brought the biggest difference in my daily life. Previously this was not achievable at all since the little that I was earning from the casual jobs was sometimes not enough to purchase the food. Most of the days my children could take a single meal or sometimes go without and even fail to go to school because they were lacking energy. This situation frustrated me for so long but I had no alternative but to accept the condition. I am a happy parent because the plenty of food I purchased has brought joy to my family. My children are now healthy and glowing.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some livestock such as goats at a total of KES 8000. I have been yearning to own them for years but I could not afford them because they were quite expensive. Also, I bought building materials such as iron sheets, building poles, nails ad timber. This was for the construction of a new better house because the current one was too small with a leaky roof. During the rainy season, it was so frustrating because I used to seek shelter from friends and some of my properties could get damaged, some being stolen. I had to undergo all those because I never had the required money to construct a decent house. With the remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for the family
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My desire has been to construct a respectable house for myself because the house that I used to live in collapsed 3 months ago. I was forced to use my kitchen as an alternative structure which served as a store as well. This house is small and can not accommodate me and my commodities. I plan to spend USD 450 to build a two-roomed house for myself and to purchase bed and mattress, this will earn me the respect I lost for long especially when I receive visitors. The remaining amount will assist me in starting an indigenous cattle rearing this will be my reliable source of income whenever I face any financial emergency.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Morning is the happiest part of my day because waking up healthy despite my leg problem gives me joy a hope for a better day ahead. It also at this time when I meet with my children and share breakfast before leaving to their place of work.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a reliable source of income is the biggest hardship in my life. Being old and unable to work to support myself due to the health problem of my legs has made me not to walk for a long distance to look for casual labor. This has forced me to depend on my children who have their families to take care of. I am always unhappy depending on my children who lack a permanent job.
