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 ($425 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My house is my top priority. Currently, the roof is leaking as a result of the rusted and worn-out iron sheets. As a result, I'm determined to obtain a new roof before the rainy season. As a consequence, I won't have to constantly move because of a leaking roof and can instead focus on farming.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
All I would want of GiveDirectly is that they continue to affect and transform people's lives in the same way that they did for myself and those that benefited around me. Increased transfers would be considerably more beneficial because receivers can accomplish much more with more money.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving the second transfer, I opted to add the number of goats I had by two. Currently, I have seven goats which serve as an investment. The goats cost $70. I also opted to buy a cow for milk production both for family use and for sale. The cow cost me $200. After that, I paid $100 school fees for my secondary school child and $30 for my elementary school child. I did this to ensure that they settle in school for studies without being disturbed. Since I rely on my firstborn son who is a casual laborer, I opted to keep the remaining amount for family use. This relieved my son from straining so much to cater to the family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($462 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 early morning while still in bed when I heard my phone vibrating. I stretched my hand to pick it up only to realize it was a message. Being unable to read, I had to wait till morning for my helper to check for me. Upon checking, the information brightened my morning; he informed me that I had received the first transfer from GiveDirectly. I jumped in happiness and I almost ululated but I contained myself since I did not want people to know about it. Since I had nothing to eat on that day, I made some arrangements and the money was withdrawn on the same day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference that I can testify of GiveDirectly is that it enabled me to empower my young grandchild by equipping them with the right materials need to start the business thus enabling us to have income-generating activities. I am very happy about the empowerment I received from GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I withdrew the money, I first bought 2 bales of maize flour. Thereafter, I decided to empower my grandchildren by buying them some working tools relating to the course they did. both did a welding course, thus I bought a welding machine and a Grander for KES 35000.00. I did this knowing that once they start working, then it will be an income-generating activity for the family. I also paid KES 17500 for my two grandchildren who were in form four and had been sent out of school due to school fees.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
The roof of my house is liking and I would like to repair it once I receive the first transfer. I will set aside 10000KES for the house and once that is complete I will buy two beds for my grandchildren. This is also a chance for my three grandchildren who are still in school to complete their studies.Poultry keeping has been my dream and that is the next thing I will do once I receive the money.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Being with my grandchildren is my biggest happiness. I was alone but at least, I have them though I struggle with them I have faith one day they will be well of and live happily together.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My three grandchildren are still in school. One of them is in form four and the two are in standard five. I don't have school fees for my granddaughter who is doing her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education this year, and that worries me a lot. I borrowed money from some friends but still there is still a very huge balance to be cleared.
