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
53150 KES ($462 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?
I had planned on completing the construction of my new house that I started using the previous transfer. We used to live in a small house that could not host all my family members comfortably. Currently, I have a spacious and decent house and I am so grateful. Secondly, I had planned on taking my child for medication. I did not have a new goal at that time.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Most of the people were trained well before receiving the transfer. This made them invest well in various projects. Most invested in dairy-keeping projects and building better houses. I do not find anything that GiveDirectly did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 5,000 on purchasing a goat. This is my investment because goats reproduce faster and help in case of emergencies. I have always wished to start goats rearing projects but I did not have the money. I spent KES 10,000 to complete the construction of the house that I had started using the first transfer. I am so grateful because now I have a better and more spacious house. I lived in a small house that could not host all my family members comfortably. I spent some amount on medication for my child who was feeling unwell. Currently, she is feeling better and is still under medication. I bought food and other household items which we were lacking at that particular time. I saved some amount for school fees for my children who are in various schools. I am so grateful because GiveDirectly has changed our living standards and enabled us to fulfill our dreams.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($486 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was about 11pm when I had my phone vibrate.When I checked, it was an MPESA message from Givedirectly.I was happy and couldn't wait for the following morning to go and withdraw the transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the completion of a newly constructed house for my family of six. Am happy that soon we are going to move in and at least enjoy the comfort of spacious rooms we did have before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had been living in a small grass-thatched house with my family of six. On receiving the first transfer, I spent Ksh.35,000 on purchasing all the construction materials and also paid the cost of labor. I am glad that the house is at its final stages and as soon as it is finished we will move in. I also used Ksh.7,000 to clear school feed arrears for
my school-going children. With the remaining amount, I used to buy foodstuff for my household members. I am grateful for the great support from Give directly that has made my dream come through.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have been sickly for the last three years, I have a tumor in my breast and chest but due to lack of money I have not gotten proper medication. I struggle a lot to make ends meet since I am a single mother with five children and for one year now it is getting worse as each day passes. This has made me less productive and I cannot do any work for income. Depending on well wishers to buy me food and sometimes fundraising is the norm. Receiving this money means I will be able to seek treatment and go for check-up. My national hospital insurance fund too is in arrears of KES 6,500 and I plan on clearing it and pay a year bill of KES 6,000. I usually spend KES 3,000 which is hard-earned in purchasing medicine. I am glad that the transfers from Give directly will help me out of this suffering and pain.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My daughter joined to form one in August after passing her exams and educating her has been my joy. I want a good education for her because this means a bright and better future. I dropped out of school and I do not want her to live in deprivation. Seeing her doing well in school is my happiness.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Being sickly for the last three years is the greatest challenge I am facing. I have a tumor in my breast and chest which has never been treated. I struggle a lot to make ends meet as I am a single mother with five children and for one year now my health has been deteriorating. I hardly sleep at night due to pain. I fear losing my life in this state because my children will have no one to take care of them.
