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 ($493 USD)
access_time over 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 had I not received the transfer. This is because I am now a proud owner of a dairy cow. I believe that very soon, I will not be buying milk anymore when my cow calves. In addition to this, my life has changed because I am no longer late for work and I can easily go anywhere I want any time.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well by giving out financial aid and I do not see anything that they do not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 35000 from my transfer to purchase a second hand motorcycle. I decided on this so that I can always move around easily. Sometimes, I am called for a job at a far place and getting there on time is a challenge and the motorbike will come in handy as I now have one. Also, I spent KES 3000 to pay school fees for my children. Using the remaining amount, I purchased some food and clothes for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 USD)
access_time almost 4 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received a message notification in the afternoon that day on my phone. I went ahead to check it and to my surprise, the contents were a confirmation that I had received KES55000 from GiveDirectly. I was overwhelmed with joy on receiving the money I knew I will be able to fulfil my house construction dream and give my family a ample environment to call home.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I majorly depend on subsistence farming to support my family. My desire had always been to improve my farming to enable me to sustain my family. When I received my first transfer, I spent part of it in farming by buying a cow that I am happy with since this is my added asset and I have milk for both household consumption and sales from the cow. I believe these will grow to a bigger herd that I will always lean for my family's needs. Having this cow assures me that I will be able to give my children a better education and maintain other household needs through sales of their offsprings and daily milk sales thus I see it as my biggest difference in my daily life
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES21000 of my first transfer on purchasing a cow and sheep. I previously kept my neighbor's cow just to help have milk for my household consumption. I am glad that acquiring mine will ensure that I have offsprings of my own and in future own a herd that I can rely on for cash. I also spent KES2000 to pay for my children's school fees in advance for them to continue with their studies without any interruptions. In addition to this, I also spent KES22000 to build a new house. We are happy as a family we have anew good looking home to take pride in. I spent the remaining amount of the transfer to cater for my household needs and other family basic needs mainly clothing.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
During the rainy season, my family faces a rough time because of floods. We are forced to seeking shelter in my neighbor's house. Sheltering in someone's house is very disgusting more so during the night, imagining waking up the children still raining and move around the neighborhood looking for shelter. This has been stressful as a parent for not providing good shelter. God willing I received these transfers the first thing I will make sure of is to build a house in an area not affected mostly by floods. I am seeing spending around 80,000 shillings to purchase building materials and also the cost of labor.
What is the happiest part of your day?
During the mid-morning is the time mostly I secure my casual jobs. My happiest part of the day is at this time when I have atleast a secure one. It is at this time because I know for sure my family will get food in the evening.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship is the lack of stable income to build a better shelter for my family. Seeing my family living in this house pronto floods is so annoying. The only source of income I get is from casual jobs I do. This can only cater to basic needs and school fees. But due to this covid-19 pandemic to get someone to give you work at a fee is now becoming rare because of the low economy.
