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 ($485 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
check
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
A lot has happened ever started receiving the cash transfers but the first that I managed to purchase my own piece of land brings a big difference in my life. Previously I used to lease those of friends because mine was not productive and it was very small. Most of the time I could not afford to lease my friend's land and therefore ended up not harvesting anything. To add to that, through the financial support I managed to construct a spacious house which has now replaced the small hut that I was owning for all those years. I am currently sheltering under a decent house and I no longer have to worry about the rains.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well in all the sectors. First, the enrollment was free and fair. In our region, there was no discrimination at all. Provided one was a resident and of the given village he or she was enrolled, without considering religion or tribe. Therefore I do not see any part that GiveDirectky did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer n buying iron sheets, several building poles, timber, and nails. This was for the construction of a new house because the previous one was grass thatched and very small it could not accommodate some of my family members. Later on, I bought some livestock such as chicken and goats. I also cleared the school fees arrears for my children and since they had resumed there was a high chance of them being sent home for fees. With the remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($494 USD)
access_time almost 4 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 6:30 am when I was heading to the farm then my phone started vibrating. When I checked, I found out it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I was so happy because I was facing a lot and had been praying hard for a financial breakthrough.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The fact that I managed to purchase my own piece of land makes me proud and I feel it has made my life to be different. Before the coming of GiveDirectly I used to lease those of my neighbors since my farm was small and unproductive. In addition, sometimes I could not afford to lease the lands from friends and I was forced to do the farming on my own farm whereby I used to get low yields. I am now optimistic because I am assured of getting plenty of harvests considering the fact that my new piece of land is big and the area is productive. I would not have achieved all these if it were not for GiveDirectly coming into my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my transfer on buying some building materials such as iron sheets to finish constructing my house which I had initially started a few months ago. I also bought a piece of land worthy of KES 35000. This was specifically for my agricultural activities. For the remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for my family and some other household items.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have long lived in a grass-thatched house that at the moment is not good structure-wise and the roof is also in bad condition. This has robbed my happiness, especially during rainy seasons because I hardly sleep. Receiving this money means an iron-roofed and a spacious house to accommodate my family. My plan once I receive this money is to spend utmost 30000 shillings to construct the house. I also plan to spend 50000 shillings to buy a fertile land for farming that can produce more harvest in order to have food security for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The evening is the happiest of my day because it is at this time when I am assured of food for the family. Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours when getting food is by the mercy of God. Sharing food with my family gives me the feeling of happiness.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life. I depend most on subsistence farming which is not reliable to me due to the size of my farm and also the fact that it is not fertile again. The harvests that I get from my farm is low and it's hardly enough to support us, and in most cases it only sustain us for 2 months.
