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
55000 KES ($479 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My new goal is to finish up building some rentals that I started after receiving my first transfer. I'm grateful that the transfers enabled me to complete 90 percent of the project.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, what GiveDirectly does is leaving us at liberty of making our own decisions. We all well understand our needs and therefore we are able to spend the money according to the priority of our needs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spend all the transfers to continue building up two bedsitter rentals that I had started with my first transfer. It has so far helped to to finish 90 percent of the project and I'm hopeful that with the little that I had saved from the income that I earn as a mason will help me complete the remaining 10%. I wouldn't have done this if it were not for the transfers and I'm so grateful to GiveDirectly for the financial support.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 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 around 4 am when I was in my house resting. I was awakened by a loud message alert on my mobile phone. I was so curious to know what was all about. I did not believe it when I saw the Mpesa messages from GiveDirectly. I had to wait until morning for my relative to confirm the receipt. I was so happy for receiving my transfer, an aid that I had eagerly awaited for.
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 owning a piece of land where I am currently constructing a house for my family. This is because the place where I am living currently does not belong to me and the owner was threatening to send me away. I am looking forward to relocating to my place once I am through with the construction of the house, something that will earn me the peace of mind I had missed for a long.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 2,500 to clear the fee arrears for my 2 children who are still in baby class. They had a huge fee balance since I did not have money to support their education. Similarly, I bought new school uniforms for one of my children who was going to school with casual. In addition, I spent KES 10,000 to purchase a piece of land since the place where I am currently living does not belong to me and the owner is threatening to send us away. Furthermore, I bought iron sheets for the KES 10,000 for the construction of a house on my plot. Lastly, I bought a solar panel on hire purchase by paying a deposit of KES 8,000 and I would pay the remaining amount on installment. With the remaining amount, I bought new clothes for every member of my family since they were wearing worn-out clothes something that was very embarrassing.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will make me realize my dream of owning a place of my own. I have been living in a house given to me by a well wisher. I now plan to buy a small piece of land for around KES 20,000 and then build a two roomed house at a cost of KES 35,000. This will not only give me a place to call my own but will also grant me peace of mind.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My last born is 9 months old. When she was 3 months old, she was selected to be part of a one and a half year program by the Kenya Medical Research Institute( KEMRI). KEMRI ensures that all medication for my daughter is taken care of including transport to and from the hospital. This includes an allowance of KES 350 for me after my child receives medication. This has saved me of medical expenses which is usually a challenge for me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
It's now over 10 years since I seperated from my husband. Raising my three children single handedly is very tough. As my children grow up, the more expenses needed for their up keep. My biggest challenge currently is providing food for them and paying school fees. I depend on small businesses like selling fast foods. This earns me as little as KES 100-200 per day which is very little to sustain all the family's needs.
