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 ($468 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Yes, my current plan is to boost the small shop business and food outlet. This is because I have started it with my second transfer but it is yet to be stable.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well for enrolling me into the program, also they kept their promises by sending the transfer on time. In addition, the officer were polite and maintained a high level of proficiency while enrolling the households in our area. I do not see anything that it does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 7000 of my second transfer to construct to a small mad structure to start a shop. In addition, I used KES 35,000 to stock my shop as well as the food outlet. Furthermore, I spent KES 4500 to purchase a solar light system to light my house, previously, I was using small spotlight to light my house. Lastly, I used KES 3500 to purchase a new mattress for my children who were using sacks as bedding . For the remaining amount, I bought food for the family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($497 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was a Thursday morning. I was at my house having breakfast with one of my children. At a few minutes to 9 a.m, I received a message notification. I checked my phone and realized I had received the KES 55,000 I had been expecting from GiveDirectly. Words can not describe how grateful I felt to have received such a huge amount of money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Having a source of income that enables me to cater for my family's basic needs is a dream come true for us. When I received this transfer, I purchased ten goats. I usually sell a few on market days to earn money. The buying price is usually KES 2,000 while the selling price is usually KES 2,500. I plan to acquire more goats to keep this business going. The money I earn enables me to put food on the table for my family of seven. We can afford to have three meals a day, as opposed to before when we often had just one. Our lives have improved a great deal.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
As a mother, it is important to me to be able to provide the basic needs of food, shelter, clothing and education for my five children. Sadly, this has been unachievable because of financial instability. I am unemployed and therefore have no source of income.
So I prioritized the purchase of ten goats worth KES 45,000 when I received this transfer. Selling these will enable me to earn money and cater for my family's needs. I also spent KES 9,000 on paying for my children's school fees. I'm glad that they can stay in school and learn without constant interruption caused by a lack of school fees.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means an improved standard of living in terms of shelter and food security. My priority is building a two roomed house which is spacious and good enough for my family of four children. My current house is in a bad condition which poses a health risk to my children especially during the cold and rainy season. The roof leaks and the walls are porous. The house will cost me approximately 400 USD. My second plan is buying two oxen and a plough at a cost of 400 USD. This will expand my farming activities which will definitely lead to more yield.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My day's activities keep me so busy to the extent that I don't have time to enjoy or even bond with my family. I am a charcoal vendor and my work is very involving . Evening comes as a relief for me. I get time to relax and have quality time with my family. That is why it is the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Throughout my life I have struggled financially. Many of my wishes have not been fulfilled because of lack of money. I dropped out of school just one year before completing my secondary education due to lack of school fees. This is what hit hardest for me because I know that if I had completed my studies, I could be in a far much better position than this financially. I now have my own family and all what I have wished for like good shelter, enough food, and education for my children has never been a reality.
