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
55000 KES ($510 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 how it would have been had I not received the transfer. This is because I was able to practice timely cultivation and used fertilizers. Due to this, I am optimistic that I will have a good harvest that will last us till the next harvesting season. In addition, I get to know the current affairs of our country through watching news and I am able to make informed decisions.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my own opinion, GiveDirectly does well by giving out financial support and I do not see anything that they do not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Watching and getting to know what's happening around the globe has been my desire ever since the outbreak of Covid-19. Due to this, I always felt left out since I had no radio or tv and my transfer came in handy as it enabled me to purchase a television worth KES 16000. Also, I spent around KES 15000 on food and other household necessities after tithing KES 6000. I saved the remaining amount so that I can use it in case of an emergency.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 USD)
access_time almost 4 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 1pm while weeding my garden maize is when I heard my phone ring. I gave to my kids to check for me and I was very happy and started celebrating.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is happiness because I have adequate food to sustain my family. In my whole life I have never received such a lump sum which made to buy food in bulk which I couldn't afford before. I am glad because I can access the food I want now like a rich man. There is also increased happiness in my house because my dream of owning a TV for the past 10 years has come to pass. Nowadays, I no longer go to my kids houses to watch TV for news and I am very grateful to God.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 12000 on a TV set because I used to rely on my kid's Tvs to access news and gospel songs. I also spent KES 18, 000 on bulk purchase of food items like a sack of maize, 25Kgs of rice, 50Kgs of sugar and cooking oil. This will ensure that I have adequate food supply for a longer period of time. Before, I used to rely on bananas, beans and maize farming for food. I also spent KES 2700 on ploughing land and buying maize seeds so that it can sustain me in the near future. I also spent KES 2000 on latest clothing fashion because I normally rely on my kids for clothing. I have also saved the rest for food consumption.
Enrolled
access_time almost 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am getting old and can no longer performed some duties in my house. An example of this is smearing my two roomed-mud walled house. I have always wished to have money so that I could rebuild the walls with sand. I think this is the best time to do this, I have estimated the cost to around 30,000 shillings. I also intend to buy a dairy cow so that whenever the one I have does not produce milk,I do not incur extra cost buying milk from my neighbours.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I usually spend my morning doing household chores, after which I go to my business center selling vegetables till evening. Therefore, evening is my happiest part of my day because I get ample time to rest.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced is lack of sufficient funds to sustain the needs of my family. My life has been full of struggles ever since I lost my spouse for more than 15 years. I have always wished to rebuild my house but this dream has been impossible.
