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 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 life is different than it would have been after receiving my transfer in that, I am now living in a spacious semi-permanent, iron roofed house after constructing a new house and putting up pillars. Previously, I was living in a small, mud-walled, grass-thatched house. I also improved my farming by purchasing oxen and ox-plough which has replaced digging using my hand which is energy draining.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well for sending me the transfers which has helped me to accomplish the desires of my life. Through the transfer, I was able to construct a house, improve my farming by acquiring ox-plough.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my second transfer to purchase oxen and ox-plough for $300. Being a subsistence farmer will assist in the preparation of my farm in time before planting. In the past, I use to hire them from my neighbour which is costly, and sometimes you could get them late because of the high demand. I spent half of the remaining amount to complete the construction of my house which I had started earlier with my first transfer by paying labour cost. The remaining amount assisted me in acquiring two goats.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($494 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was working at the farm on that morning that I received the transfers. I heard a message come into my phone and when I checked the message, it was the Mpesa message. I was very very happy as I have had a lot of needs that I previously could not be able to meet due to lack of finances. I am truly grateful to GiveDirectly for the transfers. The transfers have truly changed my life.
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 am now able to build a bigger house for my family. I was on the verge of being homeless with my family as our house is slowly collapsing. I am glad that I can now build a new and bigger house for my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfers to buy iron sheets for building a new house. I have five children and we live in a grass thatched house that is just about to collapse. I am a farmer and a cattle herder and at times I do some casual jobs for some pay. What I earn can never be enough to enable me to build a house. I was very grateful to GiveDirectly for the transfers as I can now have a home with my family again.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means achieving my dream of giving my family a better shelter. I have had this desire for a very long time because our current house is in bad state. The walls are weak and they have started collapsing. This makes it unsafe for us especially during heavy rainfall and strong winds. I will also purchase cows and continue with my livestock rearing project.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening after a long day of herding my livestock. Going back home safe and healthy gives me a reason to thank God. This gives me the strength to reflect on my life as I plan for the next day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I suffered from born marrow tuberculosis for 11 years. This condition really drained our financial resources as I ended up using all my savings. I even sold all my livestock which included 3 cows and 5 goats. Since then I have never been able to fall back to shape and it is such a struggle to provide for my family. This forced my wife to look for a job and left our very young children under my care. All this suffering is as a result of financial constraint which is my biggest hardship.
