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 ($436 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Unfortunately after buying my bed a couple of days later I ended up getting robbed which left me quite devastated. Therefore I plan on buying myself a new bed. Nutrition is also definitely on the top of my priority list since we are experiencing severe drought.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am quite honored to have received the help from organization especially since now I am a home owner unlike before. The funds upgraded me to a better position in my life and I am quite grateful for it.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Using my first transfers I had started on buying a couple of building material because I wanted to construct home since my old one had collapsed a couple of years back. Therefore, when I received the transfers this time around I went ahead to buy a couple of pieces of timber and eighteen pieces of iron sheets. Afterwards I proceeded to buy a bed and a mattress which cost me KES 10,500. I then bought four goats which was worth KES 14,000. I decided to use the remaining balance I was left with on nourishment.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($474 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was in my kitchen preparing breakfast for the family. I was with my mother at home when I received the message notifications on the phone. I had to inform my helper to verify the account balance since I thought it was just a prank. I was very happy when it landed to my ears that it was the transfer from GiveDirectly. I started planning on how to use it to change my life for the better.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Owning a decent house for myself is the biggest difference in my life. For over 20 years, I have been residing in my mother's house something that has deprived my privacy. I am currently happy that I am living in my own house with proper bedding making my life more comfortable.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
It has been over 20 years since I opted to return to my maternal home after my spouse and kids died. Since then, I have not been able to construct my own house due to the poverty level. For all that time, I have been residing in my mother's house. I spent KES 24,000 to construct a spacious two-roomed irony-roofed house for myself. In addition, I bought a bed and mattress for KES 11000 since the one I had earlier was old and had broken legs. I also use KES 9000 to purchase goats a long-term investment for my family. Lastly, I used the remaining amount to purchase food for myself.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
The house that my mother and I are living in is not in a good state. The roof is leaking and the walls are weak. This scares me especially when it is raining because I always think that it might fall. Receiving this money means a better house for my household. I am planning to use KES 80,000 of the transfers to construct a three-bedroom house that will offer us comfort and privacy. I will also spend the remaining amount on livestock to have assets that I will rely on when in need.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Life has been tough since I lost my husband almost ten years ago. I have to do casual jobs so that I can get food for my mother and myself. The coming of Givedirectly to my household has brought me joy and happiness because if I get the transfer I will be able to improve my livelihood. It has put hope in me that for once, I will have a decent house.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of regular income is the major challenge that Inam currently facing. I am a widow with no children to rely on. After the demise of my husband life was unbearable and I had to return to my parental home where I live my mother who is very old. I depend on casual jobs at a nearby quarry where I earn KES 400 per day. The job is cumbersome, thus I cannot go daily hence I have to skip some days so that I recharge. Thus the income I get is not able to cater for all households needs for the two of us. Due to this, it is hard for me to save enough money in order to improve our shelter.
