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 ($465 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Currently, I have not set any goal that I am intending to pursue once I get money. I usually plan for whatever is in my hands, so once I get money ideas will flow well and I will choose from the choices that I will be having. Even for the first and second transfers, I planned for them after receiving them.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am very thankful to GiveDirectly for the assistance I received from them. I had no house but through their support, I was able to build a house. As a family, we used to struggle so much to get some food and at some point, our struggle could not bear fruits but since the time we received the transfers from GiveDirectly, despite being a drought season we were able to access food throughout until now.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving and withdrawing the second transfer, I first took KES 14000.00 and completed the roofing of my house which remained incomplete after the first transfer. I also bought two cows for KES 24000.00, unfortunately, these cows died due to lack of pasture and water since our area was faced with a drought. Since the drought prolonged, I saw it prudent to save the remaining amount for the family upkeep.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($512 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 at exactly 9 am when I was in my house relaxing after completing me morning chores. I heard my phone message alert and I called my helper to read the message. After checking he informed me that it was my transfer which I had been waiting. I felt very happy for receiving my money because I had no money that day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is that I am owning a good shelter unlike before when I use to stay in a house which was about to collapse. This has restored my happiness because I am not worried about the safety of my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $240 of my transfer to built a decent house for my family this include purchasing 14 iron sheets, building poles, timber and nails. This because my had was grass thatched and leaks and it was about to collapse which was very risky for my family. I had a dream of constructing a good one but I could not afford the cost. I also saved $300 of the remaining amount which I am planning to start livestock rearing. This will be my future investment which will help me in case of any financial needs.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
In my life I have built so many houses that I have lost count. Every 3 years I have to construct a new structure because they keep on collapsing. This is attributed to the fact that I cannot build a permanent house at once due to financial challenges. This becomes costly but I don't have an option since I cannot save funds for the same. Receiving this money therefore means, I will build a good house with stronger walls and an iron sheet roof. This will save me the pain of repairing houses every now and then.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning before I start my duties. I adore this time because I still feel relaxed and energetic. This feeling motivates me to face the day no matter how difficult it is.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial constraint as a result of unreliable source of income is my biggest hardship. This has resulted to a big struggle in order to meet my needs. Burning charcoal has never been sufficient in the sense that brokers buy charcoal at a very low price. A sack goes for only 700 shillings and it takes 2 weeks to fill it. This means I have to borrow from relatives and neighbours as I await my earnings.
