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 ($485 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 different than how it would have been if I never received the transfers in that I have connected electricity to my house. Before we were using torches and D. Lights for lighting. This was so costly and not easy to maintain. Whenever the d.light was not charged we couldn't get light. My children couldn't do their homework on time. When I received the second transfer I found it wise to invest on connecting the electricity to my house. We depend on small scale farming and the harvest that we get is only for consumption. We had always wished to have electricity but we didn't had the money. Currently life has changed, We have lights and my children can do their assignment well without any disturbance. I have lighting at the kitchen house, cooking is so easy compared to before. I can also charged my phone. I am so grateful for the support because GiveDirectly has changed our living standard.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion GiveDirectly does well by giving money to the poor in the community to build better houses and to buy dairy cows. I do not find anything that GiveDirectly did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 12,000 on connecting the electricity to my house. We used D light and torches for lighting the rooms.This was so challenging and costly. Currently I have electricity and lighting is much easier. I also purchased a heifer at a cost of KES 28,000. When it reproduce I will cut the cost of buying milk daily. I also bought clothes and food for the family. The rest of the money we paid KES 4,500 for dowry. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has changed our living standard.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time almost 4 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was on Thursday at about 2pm when we were planting maize and I heard a message notification and on checking it was the GiveDirectly transfer. I was very excited we wrapped up the planting and went home to relax.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I have been living in a grass thatched house all my life and now I am building a house with an iron sheet roof. Many thanks to GiveDirectly for changing my life and giving unconditionally.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am building a house that is bigger than the one I am currently living in. I bought mattress and clothes for my family members and food for my family. I also bought a container to collect water.
Enrolled
access_time almost 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this is great news for me, this is because I will use part of this money to start a business and the other part for building a house. I haven't succeeded in starting a business and house before because I am unemployed and I have a family to take care of.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when I have completed all my daily chores. Throughout the day I work harder and harder to make sure that I completed my daily chores without postponing. But in the evening, I feel happy and relax.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have ever faced is lack of funds to clear school fees. I completed High School in the year 2012 but upto now I haven't clear school fees. That's why I don't own High School certificate, I was denied because school fees is in arrears.
