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 ($498 USD)
access_time 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 currently different from how it would have been had I not received the transfer in that if it was not for the money I would not have constructed a better house. I would still be staying in the poor conditioned house where people could see all my movements because better part of it had fallen off with no door.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In opinion, Give Directly does well by giving cash to individuals and then let them decide on how to spend it. This has enabled people to improve their lives. On the other hand there is no place they need to improve on.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My previous house was in a bad condition, better part of the wall had fallen off which made it risky to stay in. I am glad through the Give Directly transfers I was able to construct a better house. The current house has all the walls and a lockable door too. I am not worried of my households being stolen since I have a lockable door.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($502 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 3 PM when I was lying on my bed then I heard my neighbors celebrating and mentioning GiveDirectly. I decided to check my phone since it was in silent mode. Wow! I also confirmed there was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy and shared the good news with my children.
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 spacious well plastered hoise. Previously I used to sleep under a small house and in a critical condition almost collapsing. I have been yearning to construct a decent one for years but I could not afford it since I am a widow and the breadwinner of my family. The little that I used to earn was not enough to buy the required materials for the construction of the house. Therefore I had no option and during the winter season I used to seek shelter from my relatives and it was like a routine. Some of my children could not even study at home since the house was not spacious and this was really demoralizing them. Whenever the exams were approaching, they could go to their friend's houses for revision of which the houses were in the next village which was very far. I am now happy and hopeful since the issue is sorted, I no longer seek shelter from relatives and my children can now study comfortably at night in our house. I thank God for bringing GiveDirectly and being among the beneficiary.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my transfer on buying some building materials such as building poles, timber, nails, and iron sheets. This was for the construction of a new house becasue the previous one was in critical condition. I later paid the mason KES 7000 as his labor charge. I also cleared school fees for my children and the remaining amount of money I bought sufficient foodstuffs for my family that would take us at least three weeks time.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My house is in a bad condition. The walls have collapsed and the iron sheets leak. This makes us very uncomfortable especially during the rainy season. I am now glad that I can budget 300 USD to build a decent house with two rooms. I also plan on buying 4 goats at a cost of 120 USD. With goats,they multiply very fast and they are easy to rear. I will then set aside 50 USD for paying school fees for my daughter who is in primary school.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Seeing a new day healthy and strong is enough to make me happy for the whole day. This is because I will be able to do my day's activities like going to the farm, doing the house chores, fetching water among other duties. Morning is therefore the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I lost my husband 4 years ago. Since then,things have never been the same. He was a very hardworking man who always ensured our children got something to eat at the end of the day. He also provided emotional support for me since we helped and encouraged each other when things were tough. I have 4 children and 3 grandchildren who depend on me to get food and other needs like school fees and clothing. I only depend on my farm which is not productive enough to cater for all the needs here at home. Meeting the daily needs of this children has really been an uphill task for me and my biggest hardship in life.
