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?
My new goal is to purchase a second-hand motorbike. It will help my charcoal business because I intend to use it to transport the charcoal to the market on time. Therefore, I will earn more income since I will be ferrying more in a short period. Currently, I am transporting them using a bicycle which is so tedious.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in sending cash directly to the poor households. In addition, the transfer was unconditional which allows us to make our own decisions on how to utilize the aid. I feel that every aspect was conducted well and there is n
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For 1.5 years in marriage, I have not been able to pay the dowry payment in full. After receiving my second transfer. I spent KES 40,000 to pay part of the dowry payment at my in-law's place. This has refurbished a stronger bond and love between us something that I have been longing for in my life. I also bought two goats for KES 10,000 to boost my livestock rearing a reliable source of income for my family. I spent the remaining KES 2,850 to boost my charcoal vending job by purchasing more stock.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($495 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I saw the text messaging confirming that I had received the cash from give directly at about 9 am in the morning. I was actually grazing my livestock at the moment. I was overjoyed and filled with emotion. I knelt down and prayed to the almighty and thanked him for blessing. I then sat down motionlessly and was carried away by thoughts of how I would spend the money wisely. I then went directly home and informed my helper about the good news.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My biggest difference in life is that I am currently able to live a better life than the one I used to live before the arrival of the funds. I used to sleep on bed made of ropes and I can attest to it that it was to comfortable at all. I did not have a source of light in my house and I am happy that I have a solar panel now for my use. I used to connect small bulbs to batteries and it was very hectic as at times the batteries could run out any time but now I am sure of having light in my house.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I did buy a bicycle which will greatly help me in terms of fetching water since I come from an area that is prone to luck water. I also bought a bed which I sleep on currently. I also bought some goats and I am rearing them at the moment and once they do increase in number I am going to sell and attend to my needs. I did buy a solar panel that I use in lighting my home.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means improving my business. I do a business of buying and selling charcoals at the market. I use a bicycle to transport the charcoal. This is very tedious and I only carry one bag of charcoal worthy 90kg. Selling one bag of charcoal earns me ksh.1200. I want to buy a motorcycle so that I can be carrying five bags of 90kg each per trip. This will make me earn Ksh.6000 per trip. The motorcycle will cost Ksh. 90000. I will use the remaining amount to buy a piece of land for agriculture.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest Part of the day is in the afternoon. This is because, it is in the afternoon when I do sell my charcoal in the market and earn money
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
In 2017, there was a great famine in our village which led to death of my 15 cows . They died due to lack of water and grass. The drought brought my life back to zero. That is the biggest hardship I faced in life.
