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 ($476 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?
Yes, initially I was thinking of constructing a block house house once I receive the money. But afterwards, I changed my mind into investing the money so as to have income generating activities/ projects.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does well in all aspects. It has enabled us (the whole community) to build good iron sheet houses not as before when our area was full of poor grass-thatched houses.
GiveDirectly is faultless and what it does is marvelous.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon withdrawing the money, I opted finalize a construction project that I had already started before receiving the 2nd transfer. I also bought 4 cows and 5 goats but unfortunately, one cow and two goats died due to the inadequate of pasture and water in our area.
Since we have some water hardships, I bought a cart that aids me in fetching some water as well as hiring it to people who want to fetch water or even some building sand. The cart is a source of income for me.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($502 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 10 o'clock, I was on my way back home from fetching water at the water pan which is located approximately 2 kilometers from my house. I heard continuous message alert on my phone, I stopped ridding the bicycle to check the messages. Upon checking, I learned that it was the transfer GiveDirectly had promised to sent us during the enrollment stage. I felt extremely happy for receiving my transfer which would transform my life for the better. I went home to inform me wife about the good news and we jointly celebrate and thank God for the opportunity.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is I am living a comfortable life after starting my dream source of income for the family. Currently, I am earning KES 840 per day, with this income, I am comfortable meeting the needs of the family without much struggle. Previously, getting KES 100 per day from the charcoal burning activities that I used to do before the transfer was a big task for me.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
We are experiencing drought conditions in our area and my desire has been to start water vending around my village as my reliable source of livelihood. After receiving the transfer, I spent KES10000 to purchase a hand-driven cart. My plan was to use it in supplying water to my neighbours at a cost of KES 30 per 20litres of water. Currently, I am earning a profit of KES 840 per day from the sale of water around the village. In addition, I am hiring it out for a cost of KES 300 per day on the days that not working. I also spent KSH 25000 to purchase 7 goats to start livestock rearing an alternative source of income for my wife to supplement my earnings from the water vending business. Lastly, I used the remaining amount to purchase building poles, 14 iron sheets and set aside some amount for labor charges. This was was for the construction of a new house since the one I have is small, grass-thatched, and about to collapse.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means restoring my lost dignity as well as a stable family to me. At the moment, my wife was forced to return to her maternal home due to dowry issues. Because of financial challenges, I have failed to raise even $100 that is needed for her to come back. This is embarrassing me a lot since I usually feel uneasy before people as they look at me as a failure to my family. My plan once I receive this money is to send $100 to my father-in-law to allow my wife to come back. This will reunite me with my wife and daughter whom they have been away for 1 year now. On the other hand, I intend to construct a decent house to welcome them back since the one I currently have is not worthy of a family. This will possibly cost me utmost $400 and the remaining amount will help me to start livestock keeping especially goats, which will act as my long-term investment project.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Staying at home during the day means stressing myself because of the shame I usually feel before people. To some extent, people are laughing at me for seeing me have failed to raise money to bring back my wife. This makes me spend the whole day at the bush doing my charcoal work just because be away from people. In the evening I find it as the happiest part of my day because I get relieved from the sight of people who may laugh at me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial instability is generally the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life. Imagine failing to raise $100 to sort out my wife's dowry issues! It has been the worst moment for me and sometimes people laugh at me. This has robbed away my joy and I sometimes feel like, the misfortunes are made to be my portion in life. However, I am a happy person after knowing that, GiveDirectly has come to my rescue and soon I will be the happiest person.
