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 ($467 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?
No, I do have any new goals because I was successfully able to fulfill all the goals that I had in my mind. The first one was to buy a motorcycle and to sleep in a better place. I am so happy that for now I no longer carry water using my back instead the motorbike has been of help.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does a recommendable job in my entire village. The money was sent in good time and there were no restrictions on how to spend the cash. This stood out because well have different needs in our household. I, therefore, do not see any part that they did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying two mattresses at KES 7500. These were to replace the old ones that I have been using which had worn out, all I could experience was back pains every morning. I later bought four goats at KES 13200, which will be the only living assets that I can rely on. Also, I gave my spouse KES 10000 to clear the dowry expenses and this has brought peace of mind between us. Also, I took a portion of money around KES 25000 to buy iron sheets and building poles for the construction of a kitchen and which will also serve as a store. With the remaining amount of money, I bought foodstuffs for my family and other household items.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($496 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was 8 a.m and I was working on the farm. When I heard a message notification come in, I decided to check my phone. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I had received the transfer from GiveDirectly. I was so happy because I had been looking forward to the day when I could receive some financial assistance so I could meet my family's needs.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I am thankful that I've been able to meet my family's needs thanks to the transfer from GiveDirectly. I am a housewife who financially depends on my husband. Since he is a casual labourer, his earnings are not enough to cater for our family's needs. The KES 200 a day he earns is just too little. Before, we could only afford to have two meals a day. However, all this has changed. We have bought enough food for the household. We now have three meals a day as a family. We also purchased a motorbike. My husband and child now have a way to get to work and school, respectively, without spending KES 150 a day, like before. Thanks, GD!
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My husband and one of my children spend a lot of money on the commute to work and school. My husband works as a casual labourer at the shopping centre where my child's school is located. Since the centre is more than 20 kilometres from home, they spend KES 150 a day on transportation. So I used KES 40,000 of the transfer to buy a motorbike. With this, we can save the amount spent on transportation as they use the motorbike to commute. I'm also glad that this transfer enabled me to process birth certificates for my three children. I spent KES 3,000 on this. Finally, I spent KES 5,500 on food including maize, rice, sugar and beans. We now have enough food for everyone.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I shall be able to afford buying some goats. I have been struggling for long to purchase goats given that I am a tailor whose little income I get from sowing is for the daily needs for the family. I plan to spend 20000 kenya shillings to buy goats for milk production. Also will use 40000 kenya shillings to construct a better house for the children because the one they are living in now is too small. This will ensure that my children will get a cup of tea every morning before going to school and live a better life.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the afternoon when resting , spending time with my children. This is the time I feel happy as a responsible parent who cares for the family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in life is continued inadequacy of finances. The sowing work that I usually do brings relatively low and irregular income given that this job is seasonal. Besides that my husband is jobless , hence my children go to school every morning without getting a cup of tea. I am worried they might develop malnutrition deficiencies.
