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.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Unfortunately the beginning of last month I was met with some form of tragedy after one side of my home collapsed. Luckily my house has two rooms so I moved to the next one but still lived in the same house. So after I received the transfers I decided to rebuild my house to that I would even feel safer and not live in a house that had collapsed on one end. I used KES 2,000 and bought timber so that the structure to the house could be put in place. At this moment I am grateful that my house was able to get renovated. Then I went ahead and used the remaining KES 1,000 around seven packet of maize flour for KES 750 and used the balto acquire clean water since it was also scarce back here in the village.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well in terms of helping the needy in society. With the money, I can use it to do different things that will help me out. This money is an opportunity for me to transform my life and have a better opportunity to look at life and elevate myself from poverty.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My elder brother passed away a few days, before receiving the money. Upon receiving the transfer I spent KSH 1000 in preparation for the burial. In our customs, there are certain things that we should prepare to give the deceased a befitting send-off. I also spent KSH 200 as transport to and fro to the burial place. I am happy that the transfer enabled me to give my brother a good send-off. Currently, I still have KSH 2000 remaining from the transfer. I am planning to save this amount and the other transfer that I will be getting so that I can be able to build my house which is currently in a bad condition.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the money at around 8 am. I was just from fetching water. As I was resting I received the text message. I confirmed that I had received the money. I was very happy and without wasting I went ahead and withdrew the money and bought food for my family. I came back home immediately and cooked for my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The money has made big difference in my life and that of my family. I am was able to buy food for my family. The situation of sleeping and spending the whole day on empty stomach without having anything to eat is not a good one at all. I feel bad when I cannot find something for my children to eat. I always resort to getting food on credit which is also not a good habit. I am very thankful for the help.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I depend heavily on farming as a source of income. In the past years, the climatic conditions have worsened. The farms are no longer productive and there is no rain at all. This has made life more difficult for me and my family. Finding food is becoming very difficult. When I received the money I decided to spend the whole KSH 1200 in buying food for my family. We had spent several days and nights without eating food just porridge.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
A decent shelter is a right that everyone deserves. However, this is a fairy tale to me. The condition of my house is life-threatening. Its roof is hanging loose and this increases the vulnerability to strong winds. My desire to construct a good house will be achieved once I receive my transfers. I intend to find a constructor who will provide a quotation, so that I can save the expected amount.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My sister has been bedridden for over 12 years due to a stroke. Her condition was very bad until two months ago when she could at least sit. This called for a celebration and her family threw a thanksgiving ceremony. I was happy to be part of it as her only sibling left.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Poor health is a challenge that weighs me down. My life took a different turn after I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and stomach ulcers. I have to be under medication every month to avoid escalation of the conditions. The drugs are very strong and they require a good diet to prevent the side effects. Since I cannot afford it, sometimes they do more harm than good.
