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
check
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I had no good shelter for my family before I received my transfer but now I own and stay in a spacious iron roofed house like other in the village. I am stress-free during the rains. Also I was able to acquire some livestock which will assist me whenever I encounter any financial crisis.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Givedirectly did an amazing thing for offering assistance to there less fortunate in my community. There is a lot of things that I have desired but through this transfer I have able to realized them.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had started the construction of my house but I did not complete due insufficient finance. I spent my transfer to purchase timber and iron sheets for roofing. I also purchased additional 7 goats to the livestock rearing activity that I had started with my first transfer. In addition bought food for my family and the remaining amount to educate my children.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I saw the messages in my phone and though I could not understand the contents, I called for my helper who confirmed to me that I had received my transfer from GiveDirectly. I could not hold the joy the I felt that day. I thanked them for fulfilling their promise and changing my life.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I was previously sheltering in a grass thatched house with no hopes of upgrading to a better house. When I received the transfer, I bought enough building materials which include iron sheets, nails building poles and paid for the cost of labour involved. I am now sheltering in my new iron roofed house, which makes it to be the biggest difference in my daily life. I would be staying in my old grass thatched house had I not received the transfer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my transfer on buying building materials which include iron sheets, nails and building poles. My previous house was in a very bad state and almost collapsing. It was grass thatched and leaking uncontrollable during rains. I am currently sheltering in my decent iron roofed house. In addition to this, I also cleared some school fees for my children so that they would be allowed to continue with their studies. I also bought two goats and two sheep which I added them to my existing shed. I am keeping them because they are a saving to me, whenever I am faced with a financial need I can readily sell.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will enable me to venture into goat rearing. I will start with 5 goats which will cost me 200 USD. Goats will help me in paying school fees for my children and also deal with financial emergencies like medical bills. I also need a new house. The condition of my current house is terrible. It might fall anytime. The roof leaks making it very uncomfortable especially during the rainy season. I have budgeted 300 USD to build a 2 roomed house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My morning hours are usually very busy. I start by going to my farm or doing casual jobs that might be available early in the morning. I then embark on house chores mid morning. I take time to rest in the afternoon. This makes afternoon the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial constraints is the biggest hardship in my life. I have six children and their needs overwhelm what we get as income. My spouse and I are casual labourers .As a casual labourer, I am never assured of getting work to do. To make things worse, the money I get is very little and therefore cannot sustain all the family's needs like food,clothes and shelter. I get 2 USD in a day's work. This has sometimes forced me into debt especially when financial emergencies like medical bills are needed.
