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 ($528 USD)
access_time over 4 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 after being able to buy building materials such as iron sheets which I shall initiate the construction of my new house. Having this new house will relieve me the struggles I have been facing in staying in a grass thatched house. I also bought livestock like a heifer hence I am assured of having more of them in the near future. These herd will assist in handling emergencies well.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion , GiveDirectly did well through giving us unconditional cash transfer which has transformed our living standards because majority of the beneficiaries have invested in small business and livestock with the money.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my second transfer to buy a pair oxen . I am in the process of training them for cultivation. I bought building materials such as iron sheets that I intend to use in building a new house. I bought three pairs of uniform and shoes for my children. I a bag of maize
and food with the remaining amount .
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($533 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
Having a new decent house to me is the biggest difference in my daily life. I had no hopes of upgrading my a small, old grass-thatched hut I live into a better one due to inadequate resources. I have lived in a pitiable condition due to the pathetic situation of my hut. One side of the house is almost collapsing and the roof is partly covered with nylon papers. I am really thankful to GiveDirectly for financial assistance. Currently, I am in the process of constructing a new house. I managed to purchase enough building materials which include iron sheets, poles and paid for the carpenter to construct. I feel this is the biggest difference in my daily life since it has brought back the lost hope and restored my self-esteem in my society. I will also soon live comfortably in a decent house.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was woken up by the message notification early in that morning and on checking, I found out to be a message from GiveDirectly informing me that I had received my first transfer from them. I felt happy and thankful to GiveDirectly for financial assistance.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent KES 32000 of the transfer to purchase adequate building materials which include pieces of iron sheets, building poles and paid the carpenter for his job. It had been my desire to upgrade to a better house since a small, old, grass-thatched hut I shelter in is nearly collapsing due to its unstable state. I am happy that currently, I am in the process of building a new house, courtesy of GiveDirectly. I also spent KES 14000 to buy an ox to make a pair, because I had one. I am assured that these will help me in my farming to cut the cost and on. I spent the remaining amount to cater for my household needs and paying for my household expenses.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a more financially stable home for us. With my transfers, I plan to start a charcoal selling business in Mombasa town. I got interested in it because of the good profit it earns which can go a long way in meeting our family needs such as food, education and completion of the new house am building. Typically, I will be buying a sack of charcoal in Mikamini between 500 and 600 and sell it between 1500 to 1600 Kenyan shillings earning me more than 100% profit.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Morning is the best part of my day because I feel refreshed and ready to work unlike evenings when I come home feeling tired and worn out.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Our financial struggles as a family has stagnated most of our desired progress in life.Though am married, I single handedly take care of the family because my husband has been sick for quite a while affecting his ability to move around. As am uneducated, I work as a casual labourer doing three jobs a day with a pay of less than 5 dollars which is supposed to feed, clothe, educate my children, pay for medical treatment for my husband and enable me complete the new house am building because the one we live in is almost collapsing. I desire to get an income that can at least help me meet these needs with much ease.
