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 ($485 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I used to live in a small house that was almost collapsing as it was old as the termites had started feeding on the pillars and due to this, I always lived in fear knowing the danger my family was exposed to. Also, it's roof was leaking thus we would have sleepless nights during the rainy season as I had not been able to construct a bigger and more decent house for my family. I work as a hands man at the construction sites and I can get some work to do twice or once a week where I earn KES 500 a day. This is always not enough to buy food for a family of nine members and also pay school fees for my 7 children. With this, building of a house was out of question for me. With the transfer, I was able to build a more spacious iron-roofed house and this has made my life different as we now live comfortably without worrying of any member of my family getting sick after being rained on due to leaking roof.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
So far, GiveDirectly is the only organization I have heard and know of which gives out unconditional cash transfer to people and in my opinion, this is what they do well. With the money, one can plan how to spend them according to his priorities and needs. I do not see anything that they do not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Having a better shelter has been my dream and upon receiving my recent transfer, I spent KES 13000 to complete building a spacious house for my family as I had started building it using my first transfer. Also, I spent KES 7000 to clear fee arrears for my children so that they would not be sent back home. In addition to this, I spent KES 8000 to purchase two goats as a way of investing this money. I decided on this since living in a dry region and due to prolonged period of drought this year, cows have started dying due to lack of feeds and keeping goats is advantageous as they eat leaves. I spent KES 20000 on food and clothes for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($510 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was busy working in my neighbour's house when I had that my people had received their transfers. My phone was off at the moment, after switching it on I was surprised to learn that among the people who received the transfers. I was delighted after receiving my transfer because my problem of poor structure will ultimately get a solution.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is that I am living a happy life with my family after constructing a decent shelter. I will no longer suffer the burden of spending sleepless nights with my children due to the leaking roof.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For over 20 years, I have not been able to construct a proper shelter for my family. This is because of the high level poverty that I have. I was living is a small, leaking house which is about to fall. After receiving my money, I spent big part of it to construct a spacious house for my family by purchasing 22 iron sheets, timbers and building poles. I also educate my 7 children who are still in primary school. The remaining amount I bought sufficient food for my family because we are experiencing famine in out area.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My house is almost collapsing since it is made of mud and has lasted for over 20 years. With this money,I can comfortably build a two bedroom house at a cost of 400 USD. An iron roof will also ensure that my family is comfortable especially during the rainy season. I also plan on using 500 USD to buy two cows. When the cows multiply,I can sell and satisfy other family needs. From the cows I can get oxen to plough my land in years to come.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I wake up at 6am and immediately go and fend for my children. My work involves looking for construction materials and house construction. This job is energy draining mainly because I use my bicycle. Evening comes as a relief because I get to relax after a busy day. I first take a shower then relax under a shade as I wait for the evening meal chatting with family members. This is usually the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial constraints has been my biggest hardship. I have seven children and getting to satisfy their needs is very difficult. This is because of the tough economic times. I construct houses within the village with very little pay. In a month, I get one or two jobs which earn me between 50 to 70 USD. Given the needs that I have ,this money is not enough. This is why my house is not in good condition and I struggle buying food and also getting school fees for my children.
