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 ($442 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Accomplishing all the goals I had with my family was a pleasure, and I am thankful that we delivered on all we needed. At the moment, I have a new goal to build a shop on my land along the road that will enhance the start of a new business. Even though I don't have consolidated finance at the moment, I hope to start as soon as I get enough resources to put up the structure and stock it after the completion.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly brought a complete change to our village after giving us a free cash transfer. We all received the support they gave us in every household, and I can confirm that the amount we received in the two transfers was enough to start and complete the projects that would transform our living standards. Everything was carried out clearly by GiveDirectly, and no participant in the program has ever complained in my village.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With my family of three, we lived in a small house that has sheltered us for the past three years. On receiving the second transfer, my household saw a need to construct a spacious house to provide a playing ground for my kid. I spent KES 30000 on both construction materials purchases and also paying the labor charges. The cow I bought at KES 20000 has been providing milk for my family. I later spent the remaining amount on buying a goat I am currently rearing, with the hope to sell it out in the future whenever a financial need arises. I am grateful for the improvement I have made in my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($504 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received the transfer I felt happy. I remember that it was around 8 am when I heard a ringtone message from my phone. I did not expect any message, so I reluctantly check it. I could not believe my eyes. I have never received such an amount of money before. I knew my dream of owning a motorcycle was to be done. My family celebrated greatly. This was a good thing that happened. We are so happy because our lives has improved.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I spent my transfer on purchasing a Motorcycle. I had some small savings which I top up with the transfer. I was able to purchase it for 590 dollars. I used to work in a hotel but due to Covid the hotel was closed, I was jobless and I went back home to do casual jobs and small-scale farming. There was no source of income and providing for my family was so hard. I could struggle so much and this was so demoralizing. when I got the first transfer I felt so happy because I knew my dream of owning a motorcycle was to be fulfilled. We agreed with my spouse and I purchased one. Currently, I no longer do casual jobs in the village, I have devoted much of my time to doing motorcycle taxi operations. I constantly earn 4 dollars daily, I can save some and spent the rest on providing for my family. I have a plan to purchase goats. This will be my other investment in the next few months I am so much grateful for the support because our living standards have been improved.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer on purchasing a Motorcycle. I had some small savings which I top up with the transfer. I was able to purchase it for 550 dollars. I used to work in a hotel but due to Covid the hotel was closed, I was jobless and I went back home to do casual jobs and small-scale farming. There was no source of income and providing for my family was so hard. I could struggle so much and this was so demoralizing. when I got the first transfer I purchased a motorcycle and currently, I do a taxi business. I earn a daily income of 4 dollars. I do meet the daily needs of my family and some money for other purposes.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Three years ago, I was employed to do motorcycle taxi by my neighbor. I was impressed by the earning I would get at the end of the day given that at close of business I would earn 700 and my salary was 300 per day. When he finally sold the motorbike, I prayed that I would get the opportunity to purchase mine one day. Thanks GiveDirectly, my dream is about to come true because receiving this money is a big boost for me because I will be able to buy a second hand motorbike and venture into the motorcycle business. My life will change because I will be able to comfortably provide basic needs for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
On an average day, I normally go and do casual labor in a nearby farm and earn 200 shillings. I spend the amount received in buying food for my family. When my wife is preparing food in the evening, I take time to bond with my 1 year old son as we chat about the events of the day with my wife. This really makes me happy and that is why evening is my happiest part of the day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of finances is my biggest challenge at the moment. In order for me to feed my family, I have to rely on casual labor such as weeding other people's farms. At the end of the day I get approximately 200 shillings which is not enough to meet our basic needs. I however believe that better days are coming because no situation is permanent.
