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 ($493 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?
My life is different than it would have been if I had never received the transfer in that I am now living a comfortable life in a decent house with my family. Previously I did not have a proper shelter but through my transfer I was able to construct one. On top of that, I started livestock rearing to replace my charcoal burning activities since the forest coverage in our area has decline.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did a good decision for sending us cash transfer. This has elevated our living standard since I was able to own cows and a good house in a very short time.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $300 of my transfer to construct a 3 roomed house for my family since I use to live in a small, grass thatched kitchen which has a lot of smoke. In addition, I bought one cow for $ 150 to add to the 3 cow that I had purchased with my first transfer it may longterm investment that will assist me when I get any financial needs. I used the remaining amount I purchase food for my family .
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($496 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the message about the transfer early in the morning. When I checked, I felt happy that I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I thanked them for supporting me.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am now having my own pair of oxen. For the first time now, I will be using my own pair to plough my farm. Initially, I was hiring from from my neighbours at a fee. I am happy that I will no longer be hiring from them, instead I will hire to them at a fee. Also, I will be able to plough my whole acreage for increased harvest.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 30000 of my first transfer on buying a pair of oxen. Having the pair of oxen will boost my farming. I am assured of doing my farming timely for a better harvest unlike before when I was always late. Also, I initially used to plough a smaller piece of land. I am now happy that I will be putting my whole acreage into use. I also bought three goats at KES 9000. My expectation is that these goats will reproduce and have many of them. I spent the remaining amount on buying daily foodstuffs for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I will be able to fulfill my dream of owning a spacious house and proceeding with my livestock rearing project. I will use 40,000 shillings to build 2 houses, one will be mine, and the other one for my 6 girls. Since they are growing I find it very difficult to live with them in my one-roomed house, even there is no privacy. I also intend to use 50,000 shillings to buy 4 cows and 5 goats which will help me in any financial emergency. The remaining amount will be used to buy food for the family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Being a charcoal vendor I usually sell the charcoal at our nearby market. It forces me to carry the charcoal sack on my head to the market due to lack of transport. I find it difficult and tiresome because sometimes I end up returning home without selling it. The evening becomes the happiest part of my day because this is the time I feel relaxed and sharing meals with family from the income I got.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of finance is the biggest hardship I have faced in my life. I and my husband work as charcoal vendors. We usually move around selling the charcoal in different areas and we get an income of 10,000 shillings per month. This income is not enough to build a spacious house for the family, doing a livestock business, and paying school fees for my children. It forces us to share one room for my 3 young children and the others are being accommodated by neighbors.
