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 ($482 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?
Since receiving this transfer from GD, my life has transformed in a positive way.
Lack of a stable source of income has been a major cause of stress in my life. Because I am unemployed, I depend on casual jobs to earn money. These are hard to find and the pay is not sufficient to cater for all my family's basic needs.
I had wanted to build a decent house for a long time but sadly, I could not afford. I also couldn't afford to buy necessary household furniture, such as a bed and had to sleep on the floor. This was extremely uncomfortable, especially during the cold season.
With the transfer from GD, I have been able to buy a bed and can now sleep comfortably. I have also built my house and I'm pleased to have a place to call home.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does well in changing people's lives for the better. By giving us the transfers, it has made it possible for many people in my village, including myself, to build modern houses and acquire livestock which supplies us with milk and other products. Many people are able to meet their family's needs, because of the cash transfers received.
In my experience, GiveDirectly does everything well and there's nothing that they need to improve on.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 18,000 on purchasing six goats. It's important to me that my family has a sufficient supply of milk for home use, which we did not have before. Furthermore, I spent KES 7,000 to acquire a bed. My family has been sleeping on the floor which is very uncomfortable. Lastly, I spent KES 25,000 on materials I needed in order to finish building my house, which was incomplete. These included roofing sheets, doors and windows.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($507 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was exactly 10:30 in the morning when I was at my daily hustle when my cellphone ringing continuously. This was an indication that was a new message. , I got so excited to learn that I had received my first transfer that GiveDirectly had promised during the enrollment period. I eventually knew I would finally achieve most of my goals.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that through the transfers I am now sleeping on decent beddings. For years, I have been using old mats which had worn out and it was never comfortable. I was always complaining of painful back pains and regular sleepless nights which was so stressful. However, since I only depended on casual jobs with low wages and still have some other basic needs to cater for, the income could barely solve all my family needs. Therefore after receiving the cash transfer I had to prioritize the beddings. I am now a happy soul because I sleep peacefully with no more back pains like before. I will forever be thankful to the organization for making me achieving this.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying pieces of iron sheets, nails, building poles, timber, and the full cost of labor that was inlvded. This was purely for the construction of a new house becasue the previous one was very small and its condition was not good at all. Also, I bought new bedding and a mattress at KES 11000. Previously I used to sleep on some old mats with lots of discomforts and backpains every day. With the remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for my family that would at least sustain us for weeks.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a casual laborer who works at our nearby center. My longing has been to practice poultry farming (local hens) but due to financially challenged, this dream has never materialized. Attaining this money means fulfilling my desire. I am planning to spend 70,000 shillings on the start. This amount will cater for the structure, equipment required for feeding, and 1000 chicks which goes for 50 shillings. This will generate income to my family because I will be selling them after every 2 months at 700 shillings each. This is enough to cater for all our needs such as food. Approximately, my family of 6 spend 300 shillings per day. I will save the remaining amount for our future life. Other, than that, I am planning to spend the remaining amount to start a kiosk for my wife at our compound which will also be a source of income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is my happiest part of the day. This is because, it is at this time when I have enough time to rest and be with my family after working since morning.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a good source of income is my biggest hardship. I work as a casual labourer. This job earns me 500 shillings per day but it is not guaranteed. Due to this reason, it is hard for me to sustain all my family needs such as food.
