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 ($525 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am now a different person from how I would have been had I never received my transfers. This is because I am now a proud owner of a dairy cow and my family has enough milk for consumption and for sale. I have been using this money to meet some of our basic needs on time without depending on my spouse.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GD did well by giving us the financial aid and by informing us that they are in independent and has no connections with the government.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
When I received my second transfers, I spent some amount to buy a dairy cow worth KES 25000. When it reproduces, I will get milk for our consumption and for sale to earn an income. Also, I bought three sheep at KES 14000 for rearing. I decided on this so that when they reproduce, I can sell some and use money to pay school fees for my children. I used the the remaining amount to pay school fees for my children and to buy a set seats.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($533 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have built a better and spacious house for my family. We used to live in a small mud house which could not host all my family comfortably. I remember I used to cook and also sleep in the same house with my grown-up children which is a taboo in our culture. Whenever I had a visitor I could take them to sleep at the neighbor's house and this was so embarrassing. At times grown-up children could feel uncomfortable and they were forced to sleep at their grandmother's house and this was so risky because they could walk during the night. Currently, they have a good place to do their assignment and do their own private things without any interference from anyone. We are so grateful for the support because it has changed our living standard.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received the money I felt so happy. I had left my phone to charge at the shopping center. I remember it was very early in the morning when I was informed by my neighbors that GiveDirectly had started to send the first transfer. I went to the shop to pick the phone. When I switched it on, I got the message from GiveDirectly and I was so happy because I have never received such amount of money before. From that moment I knew I would be able to build a better house for my family.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer on buying building materials and built a better house for my family. I also bought four heifers and the rest of the money I used it to buy food and clothes for my children.
Enrolled
access_time almost 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have been running a clothing business for the past six years. This is the one business for which I can vouch with confidence that it has provided income to take my children to school. Since one of them will be joining college later this year, receiving this money will enable me to restock my business in an attempt to increase profits so as to cater for college fees.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I run a small clothing enterprise in Chebunyo market between which I commute every morning and evening. Since I am a mobile -cum door to door vendor, the activity is often tiresome and with little time to rest. Coming home to the comfort of my family in the evening is often relieving. This is the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Imagine being a single mother of three and with no sustainable source of income. Many a times my first born child was sent home due to a colossal amount of arrears in school. At one point I had to sell my sheep and the only dairy cow I had to take my son through secondary education. This further pushed me to a dire situation of lack of income to run my domestic duties. Struggling to invest in my children's education has been the biggest challenge I am facing but nevertheless I am optimistic that one day the sun will rise.
