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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($510 USD)
access_time almost 3 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 than it would have been if I never received the transfer in that I am living a better life unlike before. I am now owning livestock something that I will depend on whenever I face any emergency. In addition, I was able to improve the condition of my house by constructing an additional room for storing my household properties. Furthermore, I was able to acquire clothes for the family back in the days we had very few pairs of clothes. Lastly, I am now sleeping on proper beddings after acquiring a new mattress and purchased water tank for storing enough water for the family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in supporting the less fortunate with the cash transfer program. This has transformed our lives for the better because we were able to use the transfer wisely.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $170 of my transfer to start livestock rearing by purchasing one dairy cow. I had wished to own livestock like others in the village but due to lack of financial capacity, I couldn't realize my dream. This is my longterm investment for the family that will support us whenever we face any financial crisis. I also bought 3 pairs of clothes for every member of my family. The remaining amount supported us in acquiring enough food stock for the family since we are experiencing drought and famine in our area.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($494 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 around seven in the morning when I heard my phone ringing continuously. Which was so unusual and I decided t check its content immediately. Upon checking, I realized that GiveDirectly had debited my cash transfers into my account. I was so excited and started celebrating with my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I was able to extend and renovate my house by adding two rooms. My previous house was not spacious enough and my children never had space whenever they wanted to sleep. They were forced to sleep at my relative's house which was very uncomfortable. But after renovating it, everything has now changed. We are now sleeping comfortably and my children can study at night without any interference like before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfers on buying building poles, iron sheets, nails, and threads this was specifically for the extension of my house which was not spacious. I also bought some goats as my living assets. In addition, I bought some beddings such as new mattresses and bedsheets. To add to that I bought sufficient foodstuffs for my family, decent clothes, and some and some other household items like jerricans.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I would love to live in a descent house and own livestock. I have always envisioned myself in a beautiful homestead and having sufficient supply of milk from my own dairy cows. Receiving this money would mean a dream come true. Who knows? I may turn out to be a great milk supplier too in the centers around here.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am happiest in the morning when I wake up. We are living in such times when living is a privilege. For me, knowing that my family is up and healthy gives me enough reason to celebrate every morning
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Its been tough raising money to live a descent life. We solely depend on subsistence farming which is so unreliable as a result of the unpredictable weather patterns here. For about a year now, I have had to survive in a house with a leaking roof. Simply because I am unable to replace 3 iron sheets.
