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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($468 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?
My new goal in life is to cement the floors of my house. I am growing old as the days pass by and maintaining it clean is a problem at the moment and I usually have to depend on my grandchildren to help me in going to fetch clay soil to use in dusting it and it is always tedious. We have two dairy cows and we're planning to sell one of the heifers when it reproduces and use the money to achieve this goal.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly's officers were kind and respectful as they treated everyone equally. The enrollment process was fair and transparent and by GiveDirectly deciding to give out unconditional cash transfer, I was able to build a more decent and spacious house for my family. I see all these as what GiveDirectly does best and I do not see anything that they did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My spouse and I usually get bored in the evening since we live alone and we had nothing to use for entertainment purposes. Because of this, we decided to spend KES 23000 from our second transfer on the purchase of a radio, bulbs for lighting purposes, a solar panel, and a battery. I am glad that we no longer get bored or sleep early since we usually listen to the news and get to know what is going on in the country and gospel songs that enlighten our moods all the time. In addition, I spent KES 10000 to buy a cupboard so that I can have a place to keep my utensils without them breaking all the time and also have a place for my radio. I used the remaining KES 20000 on food and to change our wardrobe by buying new clothes.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($495 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home relaxing after taking breakfast when I heard a message notification on my phone. I was with my helper who checked my cell phone and informed me that I had received my transfer. My heart was filled with joy from hearing this and my hopes of building a decent house despite my old age were revived.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now live a happy life because I have been able to build a more decent spacious house and a granary for my family. We will be moving into this house very soon since we've already completed it and we're just waiting for it to dry properly. Living in our new house also gives me joy as I will be able to welcome my grandchildren anytime without worrying about where they will sleep and we will also get to sleep comfortably without being rained on.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 52000 to build a more spacious house for my family and a granary upon receiving the transfer. We settled on this as a family since the granary we had and the house we were living in was small and not in good condition since its roof was leaking and our farm produce would go bad within a short time. I am glad that from now henceforth, our farm produce will last long since we will be storing them in a good place. Using the remaining KES 3000 I bought some foodstuffs for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have a small house. I need to expand to a bigger house. Getting this money will enable to do all this. I expect to spend around 300 dollars to complete it. I have a store where i usually store my farm produce. Its grass thatched and its leaking when it rains i also need to repair it. I expect to spend around 200 dollars. Many times my food has spoiled due to leakages. The rest of the money I will spend on my family needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening. This is the time I get to eat with my family and have a rest.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship has been lack of enough food. I have 11 children. Paying for there school fees has been a challenge.
