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 ($531 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different in that I have bought a motorcycle to transport goods and passengers in our centre for money. My income has doubled hence I am able to sustain my family's needs with ease especially on buying additional foodstuff and now they have balanced diet meals hence there is an improvement on my family's health status. Before I received the transfers providing for my family was challenging because my main source of income was meagre and having three meals was a luxury. I am thankful to GiveDirectly for giving me a life I never knew I would lead so day.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well by giving unconditional cash transfer to the poorest households in my community without involving intermediaries and this lead to the eligible recipients receiving the intended amount. I don't see what GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
Masonry was my main source of income and it was not giving me much meaning I was living a life of hand to mouth hence investing in different projects wouldn't have been possible. I always wished to do commercial agricultural business since most of my age mates had succeeded through this. I spent the larger part of my second transfer in leasing four acres piece of land to cultivate on and hired workers to work on it as well. After the harvest, I will be able to get enough food for my family and even sell the surplus to earn an income to meet other household needs.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($544 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
My family is now guaranteed a meal every day thanks to the motorbike that generates enough for us. This was not the case previously before the transfers were sent. We used to sleep on empty stomachs and life was a struggle for us.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was very happy and I felt like a miracle had been sent my way. I received the money after an accident and I could not work so the transfers helped me meet my needs and those of my family.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I used to be a mason but was hit by a car. This meant that I could not resume work because I could not offer my services due to the dislocated hip bone. Mark you, I was the breadwinner in my family. We struggled for a while until the morning when I received the transfers. I bought a motorbike to help me generate income for my family. I also I bought two calves and two sheep for rearing and the remaining amount I paid school fees for my children.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My desire has been to own a spacious house. I plan to buy iron sheets, timber, and pay labor for building my house. This will provide a separate room for my daughter's who normally lack a space for studying and sleeping. We will also be able to have a room for storing our farm produce and avoid spoilage of food during the rainy season.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when talking meals together with my family. As a Mason my day involves a lot of hard labour and getting instructions from my supervisors which needs too much attention. At this time we share our experiences with each other as we enjoy the meals.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I am facing currently is lack of money to buy building materials like iron sheets, timber, nails and to pay labor for building my house. My house was destroyed by the heavy rains in May this year. My children do suffer from cold which make them sick for most of the time. This has affected their performance in school since they miss their classes due to ill health. I also spend a lot of money on their medical care.
