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 ($468 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
check
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Yes, my new goal is to construct a decent and separate shelter for my children. This is because they are grown up and are forced to seek shelter from their grandmother. Similarly, their grandmother's house is very small to accommodate both of them comfortably something that deprived my joy.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well for enrolling me into the program. Through the transfer, I was able to achieve most of my heart's desires. Currently, I own some livestock a future investment for my family in case I face any emergency. I do not see anything that it does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to purchase 10 iron sheets. These were for the construction of a decent shelter for my kids who are seeking shelter from their grandmother's house. I also bought a mattress for KES 4,500 since I was using sacks are bedding that was uncomfortable to sleep on, I had wished to bought proper bedding but I lack the financial capability. In addition, I bought proper clothing for my 4 children at a total cost of KES 5,000. I was very embarrassed with the worn-out clothes that they were wearing every time. I also bought enough food with the remaining amount of my transfer.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($491 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was just lying on my bed when I received the transfer message at around 9am. Upon reading, I was filled with joy and jumped out of the bed. I went to the door to confirm if it was true because I doubted maybe I hadn’t seen properly since it was dark in the house. After confirming, I jumped up in happiness. Thereafter I went back to bed to compose myself.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Initially I used to wake up very early in the morning and leave for the forest to cut some trees so that I can make some charcoals for sale. This was on daily basis. I had no time with my children; I leave early in the morning and in the evening I am extremely tired to have some conversations with them. This status was not pleasing me at all since I know for children to grow up well they need good time with their parents. Currently, since I received the transfer from GiveDirectly, my life has now changed. I take good time with my children and my body is getting good restful time.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My desire has been rearing livestock. After withdrawing the money I bought 7 goats for KES 22000.00, mattress for KES 3900 and paid school fees of KES 3600.00 for my four primary school children and used the rest in food and any other family expenses. I decided to buy the goats in respect to the climate our area is. The area is too dry for cows to do well.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a better future for my children since I have desired to educate them at University. I have been worried about realizing this dream but with the arrival of GiveDirectly to our village, I am optimistic about materializing my ambition. To achieve this I am planning to spend KES 10000 of my transfer to pay the school fees balance for my 2 children in primary six. To allow them to settle in school and hence, a better performance. I also intend to spend KES 60000 on my transfer to buy 20 goats that will act as an investment project to support my children's education. The remaining amount of my transfer will cater for household expenses like food among others.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening because it is the time I can rest from my busy day of charcoal work. It is also at this time when my children are at school and I enjoy their company around me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The financial crisis is the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life. This has forced me to engage in charcoal work to earn income to support my children's education. Considering the earnings which are very low mostly KES 5000 per month, it can not fully cater for their school fees as well as to support all our basic needs like food. This has worried me for a long time.
