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 ($478 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Before receiving the transfer, I had two goals to accomplish. One was constructing a decent shelter for my family which I was able to build and now I am happy living in a spacious two-roomed irony roofed house for myself. In addition, I had wished to support my kid's secondary education by clearing their school fees since he was at home and I lacked money for him to join secondary school. Furthermore, I was able to start livestock rearing a future investment for the family. Currently, I have new goals of purchasing proper beddings for myself, putting up a door for my house, and proceeding with supporting my kids' education up to college level.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, I thanked GiveDirectly for coming up with a cash transfer program that had allowed us to decide on how best to utilize them to improve my life. I feel this is what it does well. On the other hand, I propose it to continue to support the less fortunate in our society with the program.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent the larger part of my transfer to complete the construction of my house which I had started with my first transfer. I purchased 8 more iron sheets, timber, and paid the labour charge for the putting up of the roof. I also spent KES 6,600 to purchase two goats a future investment for my family which will help me whenever I face any emergency. In addition, I used KES 9000 to support my 2 children's education by paying their fees in full.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($506 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was exactly 7 AM when I was still o my bed then I heard my phone ringing. I was a bit surprised because it was rare for me to receive any message or call from anyone at that particular hour. However, I asked my son to confirm before me who the person was. On checking, he realized that it an Mpesa message from Segovia Technology. I was extremely excited for I knew I would achieve a lot through financial support.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
For the past three years, I have been sheltering at my relative's house every night because my house has collapsed and I had to construct a temporary small one. With my three family members, it could not accommodate us also its condition was very bad. Therefore since my spouse is old and jobless, I was forced to step in as the family breadwinner, and the little I could earn 2 USD per day could not sustain us. This means building a spacious house using our own money was not achievable. However, after receiving the money, I had to prioritize this matter and have my own house at long last. I am a happy and proud soul for now because I am sheltering under one roof with all my family members peacefully. Therefore this makes the biggest difference in my daily life
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some iron sheets, several building poles, threads, and timber at 300 USD. This was purposely for the construction of a new house because the current had collapsed and I have been sheltering at my relative's house. Also, I bought stationery and cleared school fees for my son who just joined the secondary school last week at a total cost of 200 USD. With the 50 USD that had remained, I bought foodstuffs for my family which has enabled us to at least take at least two meals in a day.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a decent shelter for my family. I have been leaving in a house with a lot of fear for the past 1 year, because It can collapse anytime and maybe harm us. Due to financial instability, it has been hard to fulfill this dream. I am planning to spend 80,000 shillings to construct a 2 rooms house which can accommodate all of my family so that we can leave a decent and comfortable life without any worry of losing our lives. Also,I will spend the remaining part of the transfer to clear school fees balance for my child who is in secondary school
What is the happiest part of your day?
Morning is my happiest part of the day. This is because it is at this time when I am energetic and I can work with hope of earning in order be able to provide for my family needs such as food. Unlike in the evening when I am tired.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Working as a charcoal vendor and the only breadwinner in my family has not been easy. This job is tedious and earns me 2400 Kenya shillings in a month which is not enough to cater for all our needs such as shelter. Therefore lack of a good source of income is my biggest challenge.
