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
55000 KES ($436 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?
My dream is for all of my children to complete their education and be able to take advantage of the opportunities that society provides. Having a good educational background will enable them to ensure that future generations will have a head start in life, just as they have.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly is particularly generous. The amount of money they give has enabled me and everyone else in my community to accomplish far more than we ever imagined. The sum was generous and thoughtful. We will be eternally grateful to you.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Prior to receiving the funds from GiveDirectly, my house was in desperate need of a major overhaul. I had planned to paint the house. Purple, white, and lollipop were my chosen colors, and they brought the house to life. Following that, I quickly tiled my kitchen as well. It had been in desperate need of tiles for quite some time. It has made cleaning the kitchen after meals so much easier. I have six children whose school fees I pay. Needless to say, the funds from GiveDirectly enabled me to pay their fees in advance and ensure that we remained profitable. My firstborn recently graduated from secondary school; my second is in form two; and my third is in form three. The fourth is in grade six, the fifth in grade five, and the sixth in grade six. From oldest to youngest, we pay $135, $15, $15, and $25, respectively. They all attend the same primary and secondary schools, and paying off their debts allowed them to have a better school experience. In addition to the funds from GiveDirectly, I grow cabbages, tomatoes, maize, onions, and other vegetables on my 6-acre farm, which my wife helps me with. I make $150 from maize sales and $50 from tomato sales. GiveDirectly has been a true blessing to our family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($485 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
With the financial institution that had been on my neck just a few weeks before receiving my first transfer, I was glad to finally see a message that confirmed the receipt. I had obtained a loan that I hoped to pay in time when I was constructing my new house and I owed the bank KES50000 that I paid immediately after informing my family of the receipt of the transfer. Everyone in the household was happy with that decision as we had that agreement when we obtained that loan that boosted our construction work to completion.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the complete construction of my house that even though I had it constructed with the loan that I had obtained. GiveDirectly came in to help in clearing it and I am now free of debts. Moving into a new house that is spacious enough for my family of eight is the best thing to have happened to me after receiving the first transfer. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for the great progress and I am looking forward to the next transfer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The loan that I had borrowed from my bank account had been giving me sleepless nights since I expected to settle it back a week before the receipt of my transfer. I had been much worried since I could not stand a call from the bank requesting me to pay back and worst still was having my borrowing limit brought to zero as I had been dependent on the bank loan every time I get an emergency. I was glad to pay the whole KES 50000 that I had borrowed during the construction of my new house. This was after informing my spouse and other household members who gave me a go-ahead as we had previously agreed on that before receiving the transfer. With the remaining KES 4500, I handed them over to my wife who purchased some foodstuff for my family of eight and a few pairs of clothes for my children whom we had promised just after the enrollment. I am grateful to GiveDirectly and with my household, we are looking forward to the second transfer that will enable us to start other household projects.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I run a business that deals with buying and selling of sheep. I started it 8 years ago and it was all good untill last year when we experienced the COVID-19 pandemic. My business went into uncertainty because all markets were locked down and there was no hope at all. I could no longer provide for my family and the situation was becoming worse, I even contemplated suicide. I was lucky schools were closed so I didn't have to pay school fees. A few months into the pandemic the restrictions were eased and normalcy returned but since everyone was affected my business wasn't as it was before. The profits reduced by more than 80%. Up until now am still trying hard to get it back to where it used to be and thanks to Give Directly for coming to my aid. This money would serve as a stimulus to my business and also help me clear school fees arrears for my children since I have not been able to pay for them due to my business poor performance recently.
What is the happiest part of your day?
At the beginning of the year, I took all the savings I had and bought ten sheep with an aim of selling them off for a profit but I only managed to sell half and I didn't make any profit. Three months ago to my surprise all the 5 sheep which remained gave birth to twins. This brought so much happiness to me and my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My only source of income is this business I have been running for years now. Ever since the pandemic hit it slowed down everything in my business. Nothing is sufficient in my family right now including food and school fees and it gives me no peace of mind.
