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 ($440 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am so grateful for the support that brought so much happiness and a financial breakthrough in my life. Therefore, I am contented and happy with what I have accomplished so far.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Building a decent house for myself is a lifetime achievement that I never thought I would have achieved in a short period. Our lives were empowered greatly, thus we are forever grateful. So far, I haven't seen any irregularities in GiveDirectly's work.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Raising a special child single-handedly has been the tough reality that I have been dealing with. This is because it is expensive, especially raising money for frequent medical checks and therapy. I am a single mother of one and a local businesswoman with who I socialize in selling vegetables. Upon receiving my transfer, I used KES 15,000 on my child's medication. Secondly, I build a decent house where I used KES 32,000 on the construction. The house that I was living in before was grass-thatched and I was not in a position to improve my living standards due to financial constraints. I lack words to express the immense joy and happiness that I feel for building a decent house.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($471 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 7a.m and I heard my phone ring and when I checked it, I saw a message. Upon checking, it was a confirmation of my first transfer. I shared the news with my family and everyone was excited. I later visited the nearest shopping center to withdraw the funds.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the transformation that I have witnessed so far in my household. I am grateful to Givedirectly for they have made all this possible.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Farming has been our main source of income and the backbone of income. With my first transfer, I opted to spend KES 26,000 on purchasing a heifer. This will soon calf and provide us with milk both for consumption and for sale to get an extra income. With KES 15,000 I spent in buying sheep since it easily reproduces and can sell to earn an income which can use to pay for my household needs. I also spent KES 12,000 I spent in aiding medical bills for my son who I normally take for monthly therapy in a nearby hospital. The remaining amount, I spent on buying bedding for my son.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I will buy land where I can establish my home. I am a single mother raising a child living with a disability. It means that her needs are more than normal, including constant medication and higher nutrition requirements. I have to buy milk and maize every day because I am restricted yo the farm on my brother's farm. I will have to spend about KES 30,000 on buying the parcel of land. Daily expenditure is about KES 200 per day that I get from running a grocery and making ropes. I need to buy a dairy cow at bout KES 30,00 to help me to generate an income the sale of milk.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the last six months, I have had the luck of always making about 300 per day from my grocery. We have never had to stay hungry because the small business is doing well. I am happy but I also know that this may not be the case all the time. I will buy a dairy cow to cushion me if downtimes will occur.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest challenge is getting enough food for the household. I need to step out every day hustling through making ropes and selling vegetables. This means that any single day that I do not sell is a day that we sleep hungry. From my struggles, I make about KES 300 a day barely enough for food.
