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 ($468 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Yes, I had a new goal of starting up a business selling some vegetables) in my village. Since I did not have a stable job, I thought this would be of help especially in raising school fees for my children who are in secondary schools. I however hope that soon I will be able to achieve this objective.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
According to me, GiveDirectly did a very great job in my entire village. This is because every needy household was visited and received the cash transfers without any discrimination. In addition to that, we were taught how best we could spend the money that was according to our preferences. This was of help to us because we did not waste even a single coin. On the other hand, I do not see any sector GiveDirectly needs to improve.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying goats at KES 3000. It has been my desire to at least own one, but because of my financial status, this was not achievable. I settled for the goats because they take little time to mature and their pastures are readily available. I also bought a water tank of 2000 liters at KES10500. I am so thankful because through this tank I was able to harvest and store water for domestic and farming usage. I later bought three plastic chairs at a total of KES 1650 and utensils. I am glad that I no longer borrow from my friends as I used to do. In addition to that, I cleared the fees arrears of KES 2000 for my son who is in secondary school. With the remaining amount of money, I bought sufficient foodstuff and decent clothing for my children. I am so joyous because with my family of two, sometimes we could skip meals.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($488 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was exactly 7 o'clock, I was in the house relaxing after completing my morning household chores when I had my phone ringing. Being illiterate, I called my helper to check my phone and he informed me that I had finally received my transfer. I felt very happy for receiving my transfer that would change our life for the better.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Owning livestock as a future investment for my family is the biggest difference in my daily life. Currently, I am able to meet my daily needs without struggling unlike before where I had to go to the forest for charcoal burning to support our needs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 20,000 my transfer to purchase 5 goats to start goats rearing a future investment whenever I face any financial challenge. In addition, I purchased household utensils including plates, cooking pots, and 2 plastic chairs. This is because I had a few utensils and I was using to logs as chairs which were embarrassing whenever I received guests. Also, I bought new clothing for myself this is because I was using worn-out ones. With the remaining amount, I spent it to purchase enough food and saved some for my daily upkeep like water.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I will start the business I have wished to do in life .I am a widow with 4 children who depend on me , I want to open a business of buying goats and resell to the nearby slaughter house.I am planning to use KES 70,000 to start this business to buy 15 goats which I believe will get a profit not less than KES 7000 in a week . I will spend KES 20,000 to plaster and cement my house because I am getting problems of walking on a mud flour while I have taken shower in the evening ready to sleep.I will spend KES 20,000 to buy food for my house and also use part of it to buy new clothes because I have many years I have never bought new clothes.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is in the evening after a heavy struggle looking for means of how I can get good for my family, after I succeed , cook and enjoy the food with my family, this is the happiest part of the day as I count it successful.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest problem is growing my children since they were young.My husband died 20 years ago, it is not raining in our area and therefore I have been starving with my children for years , living from hand to mouth. I have faced problems in my life.My biggest hardship is getting food to eat in my house.
