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 ($421 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
We plan to do the finishing on our house since it is not yet complete. The transfers were not enough to complete all the works. There is some remaining work on the floor and ceilings. We pray to God to open us away to getting finances to be able to finish on the works and enjoy the new home.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly is a good organization that helps the poor to better their lives. Whatever they told us they delivered and we were happy. They are truthful people. However, they should closely follow up on those who use the transfer to buy alcohol, they should monitor them to ensure that the transfers are used in the right way that can transform lives. They should collaborate with the assistant chief in doing so for the general good of the community. It is indeed a waste to use the transfers for alcohol.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
We had always wanted to have a decent house but it had just remained a dream since we never had the means. The house we used to live in was grass thatched and it was in a bad state and not conducive to living in. We were so delighted when we received the transfers, and without hesitating, we used the entire amount to build a timber-walled, iron-roofed house. We are happy that we now own a better house though we are yet to finish work on it we have since occupied it and we are so happy about it, we have since gotten a new status.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($467 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was 10 am when I heard a message notification from my phone. I was Just at home relaxing, When I checked it out I could not believe my eyes. It was a message confirming that I have received KES 55,000 from GiveDirectly I informed my family members and everyone celebrated with joy. I knew I would be able to purchase a dairy cow. This was my main concern because buying milk daily was so costly. I went and withdraw the money the following day. GiveDirectly has changed our living standards to be much better than before.
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 have purchased a dairy cow. This is because I used to buy milk daily and this was so costly. I had always wished to own a dairy cow. I depend on casual jobs and small scale farming. This would earn me small income and I was not in a position to save some money. Whenever I had no money it was so demoralizing since I would not get the milk. Currently I have a dairy cow and I get enough milk for the family. This has given me peace of mind to conduct other activities at home without any stress. I have set aside some time for this dairy project. I wish to improve this to a better level. I will make this my main source of income for the family. I am so grateful for the support because this could have taken quite some time to own it.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 45,000 on purchasing a dairy cow. This was one of the main priorities. I used to incur a daily cost of buying milk and it was so costly. When we were enroll into the program I was decided that I would buy a dairy cow. Currently I have a dairy cow and I have cut the daily cost of buying milk. The remaining amount of money I purchased some timber and food for the family. I am so grateful for the support because GiveDirectly has enabled us to fulfilled our dreams.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I live in an acre of land with five children since I sold three acres to pay for their school fees. After subdividing it amongst ourselves, I was left with a small piece for farming which is not enough to produce sustainable food for the whole year. I do casual jobs to supplement and provide for my family. Receiving this money will enable me buy land which I can cultivate and start up a dairy farming. This will cost me KES 100,000 ( 60,000 for land and 40,000 to purchase a cow and build a cow-shed). I am happy because my life will be better at thesame time I will have assets to generate income for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
For the last six months, there has been consistent rainfall. Even though I farm in small piece of land, the harvest I get can last us a few days. This has brought me happiness because it reduces the burden of purchasing food especially maize which is our staple food thus enabling me cater to medication for my wife.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My wife is sickly hence leaving me as breadwinner of the family. With my old age, doing casual jobs is strenious hence I work only three days in a week. This earns me KES 600 which is not enough to cater to all the basic needs like food and medication for my wife. This could be better if I owned a dairy cow for providing milk for consumption and also earn a living through selling the surplus.
