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 ($526 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
If l could not have received this money l could not have started my business and for this reason I could still be depending on my spouse and very sure l could still be going through a lot of problems in my house.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion give directly did well by consulting both partners on who to be registered in household, this created peace in most households. I also feel dealing with people directly was a very good idea.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent most of the transfer to buy materials and build a spacious house since l was staying in a very small which could not accommodate me with my family, mostly l would put most of the things in corner to create space in the house. I also spent the transfer to buy furniture since l did not have enough furniture to sit on. I also spent the transfer to improve my business of selling domestic goods and the business has been doing so well that, l do not need depend on my spouse fully as l use to do before , being that that is what has been bringing conflict in our house. But since l started getting my own money l am at peace. The remaining balance l spent to buy two bags of maize for my consumption.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($545 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference is that I feed well and live in a permanent house. This was not the case before the transfers were sent. We used to stay in a semi-permanent house by this I mean the walls were made of mad but smeared with cow dung one could think its plastered. My business has picked up so well and the income has also improved. This allows us to feed and dress modestly compared to before you can tell we are doing better.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I have been planning to build a permanent house but I had not gotten enough resources to do so. When I received the transfer I felt so happy and relieved. The burden of raising the money had been taken off my shoulder and finally I was gpoing to see my dream accomplished.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I bought iron sheets to build a better house to replace the old ones. I gave KSH10,000 and boasted my business I sell utensils.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I will be able to build a kitchen and a pit latrine. I will use the cash transfer to buy material and hire fundis to build me a kitchen because I usually cook in the open and during the rains I have to squeeze the cooking into my house and it is really congested and this interfere with my childrens studies because they oftenly complained of the smoke that comes from the firewood which may impact negatively in their class performance.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the afternoon while sales in the market hit it's peek because I am assured of getting money to buy my family needs like food and save some for school fees to my children.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I faced was the surgery that was done on my arm. I was pricked by a poisonous wood while working in the farm, this led to my arm swelling and I had to be operated to remove the puss in the swollen arm.
