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 it would have been if I had never received the transfer in that, through the transfer I was able to acquire my own piece of land which has reduce the constant clashes with my neighbors. I now enjoy the peace of mind and living comfortable with my family. In addition, I no longer receive constant mocking, which has restored the respect that I have lost for many years. Lastly, I was able to purchase a motorbike something that earns me a reliable income for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has done well in giving out cash grant to poor households in our village
Most importantly, I am happy for being part of the beneficiaries. Also, the independence of the organization was a good decision because there is no government influence which reduces a lot of corruption.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $180 of my second transfer to acquire a 2 acres piece of land, because the place where we use to live was not belonging to us and we frequently have clashes with the owners. I also used $360 to purchase a motorbike, I use it to transport charcoal from my village to town where I am selling them at a profit. I now earning an income of 10 dollars per day from my business. Back in the day, I was using my neighbour's motorbike, where I was required to pay the hiring fees everyday.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 1300Hrs and I was just from the farm. I was just seated in the house when I heard a message come into my phone. When I checked the message, it was the Mpesa message. I was very very happy and excited to see the message. I am very very grateful, the transfers have been really helpful.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I was able to build a better and bigger house for my family. We lived in a small house that was also grass thatched. We can now live in a more comfortable and spacious house. I am very grateful.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfers to build a better house for my family and I also bought a bed and a mattress for myself. I have two children and we live in a grass thatched house that is also quite small. I sell charcoal for a living while my wife is a housewife. I am happy I can finally be able to build my family a bigger and better house because of the transfers. I also bought a bed because I did not have a bed before. I have been sleeping on the floor on a mat. I am very grateful to GiveDirectly.
Enrolled
access_time almost 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Life has never been easy to me despite being young and energetic because financial resources are inadequate. This has forced me to live in a miserable house that is just braving the strong wind and it can collapse anytime. My desire once I receive this money is to construct a decent house that can accommodate my family and to achieve this, I wish to spend 280 dollars to have my house complete. On the other hand, I am planning to start livestock keeping in order to have a long term project that I can rely on for any emergency issues. For this, I intend to buy 4 cows;( 2 bulls and 2 indigenous dairy cows) at $150 each. Having done this, my life will have transformed to a better standard that I have ever wished.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I usually find myself relaxed in the evening hours when I am back home from work. Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours when I am always busy doing my charcoal business. Therefore, I consider the evening as the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My work at the moment is to transport charcoal from our village up to Mombasa twice in a week. Since I don't own the bike, I am forced to hire from my friend and this means my income is shared equally. Considering that I am the sole breadwinner for my family, this income is very low and sometimes we skip meals or borrow from my relatives something that I find to be shaming me. Therefore, I consider the lack of a stable source of income as my biggest hardship.
