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 ($435 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the next one year, I hope to have ventured fully into farming, learnt different other farming skills so that I can do farming as a constant source of income for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Giving us the money individually was great because if it was done in groups or as a collective household, it could have created a lot of disagreement in families.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the second transfer, I finished up building our house that I started with the first transfer using ksh 20000 , this was enough to finish up the remaining part and buy furniture as well.
With another ksh 15000, I planted maize and beans in a quarter piece of land and bought enough food for two months for a family of seven using ksh 10000 and saved about ksh 6000 for future use.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($483 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was in the evening when I was looking after my cows, When I overheard my neighbour talking about the unconditional transfer, Suddenly I heard my phone ringing, upon checking saw a message notification showing that I had received money from GiveDirectly, I was overwhelmed with happiness that I went home, upon reaching home I informed my wife that I had received the transfer, she was so excited and happy, we then embarked on planning, we are grateful for the wonderful gift that came to transform our lives.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My biggest win today is that I feel soo happy and fulfilled that I was finally able to complete a house that was left halfway for a long time due to constraints, I now comfortably enjoy living in a spacious have with my family which is a great milestone I am so happy and relieved that the support that I obtained from GiveDirectly lifted my living standards amazingly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Constructing a house was my biggest dream, though I had started constructing one before unfortunately I was unable to complete it due to financial constraints, thus it was left halfway, I work as a driver, married and blessed with five children, upon receiving the transfer I used KES 20,000 in completing the house, I then used the remaining amount on foodstuffs and clothes. I am so happy for the support that brought so much happiness and fulfilment in my life, my family is also happy and grateful for the great milestone.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Two months ago I started building a better house for my family of seven which is now half way to completion. I want to improve from a grass thatched to a iron roofed house. It has been my wish to complete it because it is hindering me from investing in other projects. I plan to use KES 30,000 shillings to purchase building materials and also meet cost of labour. Upon completing it, I will have peace of mind.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The good harvest from my farm is what has brought me happiness in the last six months. For the past 5 months, it has been raining consistently hence good yields. Sufficient food for my family enables me to save my income for other uses.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am a driver, and depend on this to raise a family of 7. I earn KES 6,000 monthly but currently I am servicing a loan and after deducting the loan I am only left with only KES 3,000 which is not fully enough to cater for all the basic needs (food, clothing ,school levies) of my family
