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 ($468 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?
No, before receiving my second transfer I had a plan to use it to complete the construction of the house that I had started with my first transfer. After receiving my transfer I sent a bigger part of it on the house construction. I acquired 40 pieces of iron sheets, timber and paid the labor costs. I am so grateful for the aid.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well for the decision to offer a cash transfer program in our areas. In addition, all the households were given an equal chance to participate in the program. I do not see anything that it does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to complete the construction of my shelter which I had started with my first transfer. This is because the one I had earlier on was leaking which makes my life miserable. I spent KES 39000 to purchase 40 pieces of iron sheets, timber, nails and paid KES 9,000 labour charge. Additionally, I used KES 8,500 to support my children's educational needs by clearing all the fee arrears. with the remaining amount, I bought enough food for my family.
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 10:45 AM when I was busy at my hotel business when I heard my phone ringing continuously. That was an indication that there was na incoming message. Without wasting time, I decided to check its content, only to realize it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly, I felt so happy and I remember having taking an off from work in that particular joy and proceeded home to celebrate with my family members.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now have a nice, iron-roofed spacious house that I am currently sheltering on. Before GiveDirectly came into my life, I used to shelter in a temporary hut that was grass-thatched and it was so stressful especially during the rainy seasons. We used to squeeze at one corner of the room and still end up being rained on. I had to force some of my children to seek shelter at our neighbor's house to avoid the case of being attacked with some cold-related diseases. However, after receiving my first transfer I had to prioritize constructing a decent house. I am now gald because I had even lost my dignity in society for always seeking shelter from neighbors. We are now living happily as a family and we no longer have to worry about the heavy downpours and my children are healthier as compared to before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some pieces of iron sheets, nails, threads, at a total of KES 16790. This was for the construction of a brand new house becasue the initial one was somehow collapsing and it was a temporary one. Every winter season, it was hectic becasue we could be rained on till dawn or sometimes seek shelter from our neighbors. Also, I bought a new bed and a mattress for a total of KES 11500, this was basically to replace the old traditional beds that I have been using for all those years. I later cleared school fees for my children in secondary and primary schools respectively. With the mining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuff for my family
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will help me pay school fees for my children. My daughter who recently completed primary school will be needing school fees very soon to continue with her studies. I also have fees arrears amounting to 20 USD and around 200 USD for the first year of secondary education for my daughter. I will then set aside 150 USD to improve my business.I will do some repairs for my shop and then add stock.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I wake at 6 am to do the house chores before going to my work place where I have a shop. I work there till 3 pm where I take a break from work to go and fetch water. I resume work till 6 pm when I go back home. This time marks the end of a tiresome day and the happiest part of my day. I enjoy the evening hours because I get to relax and have time with my family after a busy day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Raising up my 8 children has been my biggest hardship. Getting to satisfy their needs like food, clothing,school fees and their health needs has been an uphill task. A good example is when my son had some health complications which really drained me financially. It was a situation that lasted for almost four years. He was in and out of hospital. At one time I had to leave my children with their grandmother inorder to look for employment in a nearby town. All this was to help pay his hospital bill and the debts I had.
