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
55000 KES ($484 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?
Before receiving the transfer, my goals were to complete the construction of a new 3 roomed house for the family. This is because the house that I currently own is grass-thatched and is about to collapse. In addition, I had wish to start livestock as a future investment for my kid's education. With these goals that I have accomplished, I do not have any new goals.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in conducting a sensitization meeting before actual enrollment. Through this session, we were able to learn more information concerning the program before being allowed to participate. I do not see any that the organization did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 25,000 to purchase two cows, this was for starting small-scale livestock rearing a reliable source of livelihood for my family. I also used KES 5,500 to take my father-in-law to the hospital. He had been sick for the past two years and had received a referral to a level 5 hospital in Mombasa. With the remaining amount, I started the construction of a new 3 roomed house for my family. The house that I previously own was collapsing which is a great risk to my family members.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($487 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt so good the moment I received the money because it was going to help me address the challenges I was facing especially, food and water since it hadn't been raining and buying water was just so expensive and unaffordable to me. Alternatively, we had to travel very far to find water, therefore, I was so happy and relieved when I got the money from GiveDirectly.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the fact that I am now about to have a house that has a better roof and walls compared to the one we previously had which sleeping in was not any different from sleeping out in the open. It was just a structure to show people that it is a homestead but nothing more to show for it. I am so grateful to GiveDirectly for this assistance, it was huge and great.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of my transfer which was KES 18000 on building a house because I used to live in a poorly grass-thatched house in roof and walls which was not any different from sleeping out in the open since it could barely shield us from any kind of harsh weather. We would spend the whole night awake while being rained on when it rains, and during the day we would find shelter and comfort under trees because the house wouldn't shield us from the hot afternoon sun. Therefore, I am very happy to I am about to have my own house covered by iron sheets which is will shield us for a very long time. This makes me so grateful and gives me a peace of mind. I also spent KES 1300 to buy a box of maize flour which, to me, is economically a better option compared to buying a single packet or two every day. I am so proud and happy that food is no longer a problem and it will keep us going for quite some time.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am five months old in my marriage and settling is not easy. Receiving this money will go a long way in helping me settle. My priority is building a two roomed house with an iron sheet roof. My current house is very tiny and the roof is grass thatched. The roof leaks whenever it rains. I also cannot welcome visitors inside my house because it is very small. My budget for the house is KES 25,000. I will also use the money for daily food and water expenses. The drought we are experiencing in this region has made this commodities very rare. In a day I have to spend KES 150 to buy 60 litres of water.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the month of June, my husband; then my fiancee, visited our home and was given the go ahead to marry me. Finding such true love is what has brought happiness in my life for the last few months. Having someone caring and loving has made me love every bit of my marriage life. I am now blessed with a two months old baby girl whom I am very proud of.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The tough economic times has made me struggle a lot financially. This is because everything requires finances whereas I have no stable source of income. I depend on my husband who works away in town as a casual labourer earning KES 5,000 a month. This is barely enough since we buy food and water everyday together with other expenses. A 20 litre jerrican of water for example, costs KES 50. In a day, I sparingly use 3 jerricans. During the rainy seasons, life is a bit cheaper since food and water can be available in our farms.
