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 ($478 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?
I intend on settling on poultry farming, This is because with it I would be able to earn an extra income for survival. I plan to realise this goal through a merry go round contribution and part of the savings from my monthly wages. I am so happy for the support that gave us an opportunity for us to develop.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has tremendously empowered us. I had completed my college education but I was unable to collect my certificate due to financial constraints. But with the funds that I received, that's a story of the past. We have been empowered economically hence we are grateful. So far I have not witnessed any inefficiencies in how GiveDirectly operates.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a teacher by profession, I recently brought a wife home. Upon receiving my transfer I wanted to ensure that my home was well set. This is because I plan to bring up children in an environment where they will not lack. Therefore, I used 47,000 in buying the finest dairy cow that would produce lots of milk enough for my family. I was unable to buy a cow before due to financial constraints. I then used KES 15,000 in paying school fees for my younger brother who is at the university. I am thankful for the great support that enabled me to achieve a lot in a short time.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 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 7am when I woke up that beautiful morning and while checking my phone I had received KES55000 from GiveDirectly. I was very excited and this motivated to do my work joyfully that day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is completion of my house within a month which couldn't be possible with my low salary. I used to take salary advance to build my house but with GiveDirectly transfers I no longer do.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of my transfer on completion of a semi permanent house I had started building last August with my own salary. This is because the one I had was old, tiny and grass thatched. I have also furnished my house with good sofasets, beddings and utensils.I also spent KES 13000 on a heifer as a long term investment because it gives birth.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a better future for me. I am passionate about teaching and I graduated with a certificate in primary education in 2020 and now working under casual terms as a mathematics teacher in a nearby private primary school. I earn a meagre salary of KES 8,500 which is hardly enough to cater for food and other expenses at the same time support my brother who is in university. I want to further my education up to undergraduate level so that I can get better employment opportunities and more salary. I am excited because the transfers I will receive from Givedirectly will enable me pursue my career goals by enrolling for a diploma I primary education course with the first cash transfer.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I got employed in a private primary school where I teach mathematics in August this year. My life has improved since I started earning KES 8,500 compared to KES 4,500 that I was earning from my previous work. I am able to plan and also sustain my basic needs as well as support my parents by paying school fees for my brother in university. This has brought me peace and happiness for the last few months.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of stable job and reliable source of income is a challenge I am currently facing.Within a year, I have changed jobs three times due to restrictions put by the government on employment of teachers who are certificate holders. There is need for me to go back to school to upgrade my qualification to a diploma certification in order to stand better chance of securing a good job. Competition is tough and for a certificate holder like me, it can take up to 10 years in order to be employed on permanent and pensionable terms by the government.
