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 it would have been if I never received the transfer in that I am now living in a decent and spacious house like others in the village. In addition, I sleep on proper beddings something that I would not have achieved without the transfer from GiveDirectly. Furthermore, my son has a reliable source of income which helped us in meeting our daily basic needs without struggling.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in sending me the cash transfer that aided in constructing a decent house for myself. Moreover, the aid has brought a lot of development to my village since most people have utilized the transfer in development projects.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to purchase building materials comprising of 18 iron sheets, timber, and nails this was for the completion of the construction of a decent shelter for myself. Previously, my house was very small, grass-thatched and leaks. In addition, I purchase proper beddings this is because I was using sacks as my beddings. With the remaining amount I purchased a second-hand motorbike for my son to start a taxi business a reliable source of income for the family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($496 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received a message in my phone early in the morning while working in my farm. I called for my helper who normally checks my messages since I cannot comprehend any. I felt happy when he told me that I had received my first transfer. I thanked them for the support.
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 am now living in a decent and iron roofed house. Initially, I was staying in a grass thatched hut with no hopes of upgrading to a better house. I am happy that through the transfer, I managed to buy enough building materials such as iron sheets, building poles and paid for the cost of labour involved. I am grateful to give GiveDirectly for enabling me build my dream house.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent a bigger portion of my first transfer on buying building materials which include 16 pieces of iron sheets, nails and poles in order to build a new house. I was staying in a grass thatched hut and I was in big troubled whenever it rained. Some times I had to seek shelter from my neighbours. I am happy and at peace now having constructed my own house. I am planning to buy goats on the small amount that remained.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
"My longing has been to built a spacious house for myself but due to financial challenges, this dream has never materialized. I am an elderly widow who lives in a small house which leaks during rainy seasons. Receiving this money means filling my long time term desire. I am planning to spend 70,000 shillings of the transfer on construction. This will enable me to live a comfortable and decent life. For the remaining part of the transfer.I will use the amount transfer onspend the remaining amount to buy nutritious foods which will boost my health for the remaining future because I depend on myself."
What is the happiest part of your day?
"My happiest part of the day is in the afternoon. It is at this time when I sit at my compound with my neighbors and chat. The laughter make me forget the stresses I have of losing 7 children. Unlike in the even when I am alone in my house."
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
"I gave birth to 9 children. Unfortunately passed 7 of them passed away and providing me with my basic needs such as food. The remaining 2 got married and in our culture once daughters got married do not consider them any more. Due to my old age I can no longer engaged in economic activities, therefore I have to rely on my neighbours for my upkeep. My biggest hardship therefore is lack of inadequate finances."
