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 ($519 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?
I decided to build a spacious house for my family using the transfer. This is because we had been living in a small house that could not accommodate us comfortably and we also lacked privacy. I wanted to do this but for a long time but had not been successful due to the lack of money. Although my spouse succumbed to his sickness, I am glad that I was able to give him a decent burial and clear the hospital bill without organizing for an harambee.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDireclty did well by enrolling everyone in our village and honoring their promise and I do not see anything that they did not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
When I received my second transfer, I spent some amount to pay for my husbands medical bill. After he passed away, I spent some amount to cater for his burial expenses. Also, I spent some amount to buy sheep as a way of investing this money. I spent the remaining amount to cater for our daily bills after saving some amount. I bought food to last us for some time, clothes for everyone in my household and a tank to use in collecting and storing rainwater.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($536 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
Looking at the many changes which have occurred after receiving the transfer from GiveDirectly, the biggest difference in my daily life is the start of the construction of a new house. For many years we have been living under leaking roofs and it is a great feeling that we are soon going to move into a new house.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received the first transfer from GiveDirectly was a great time both for my family members and also for me. We were filled with joy which was characterized by celebrations that involved singing and ululation in the wee hours of the morning. It was my very first time in my life to ever own such a big sum of money, something which made me thank God a lot for enabling GiveDirectly to give us such great support. Since then to date, happiness has never ceased and we believe that the bond and togetherness which has come to our household will help us through the implementation of more projects to come.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent the first transfer I received from GiveDirectly on buying trees, felling them down, logging and cutting of timber in preparation to construct a new house. I also managed to purchase 20 iron sheets and set aside 20000 KES which will be useful in paying labor. the remaining amount will be used on purchasing goats since we are currently planning to start livestock farming.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am planning to spend approximately 200 usd of my first transfer to build a new and warmer house. With my asthmatic condition I cannot continue to live in a cold and dusty house. Receiving this money means a good health and reduced money spent on medication.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I stay with my 13 year old grandchild. While she goes to school in the morning I also embark on my 0.2 acre piece of land to cultivate maize and beans. I would shift to cooking lunch and feeding livestock in the afternoon. When my grandson comes from school in the evening, it becomes a big relief to me because he helps me with looking after the cattle and a few household chores. This is the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have been grappling with an asthmatic condition for the last 4 decades. The disease has worsened with my age and has continued to become more severe especially currently during the rainy season. As an 80 year old depending on 2 litres a day from my one dairy cow, the dues I get cannot sustain a monthly demand for medicine and doctor's appointment. My biggest worry is that I am going to collapse of chest seizure one day due to the lack of medicine.
