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 ($469 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 have a goal of being an entrepreneur. After conducting my research, I realized it will be of help to me and my family. As at now, I am making some efforts that will see me as an entrepreneur in the near future.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly is a superb organization in terms of its operations.
The only thing that I can suggest for changes if possible is combining the two transfers into one. Instead of getting KES 55,000 twice, you just give KES 110000.00 as once so that a recipient can plan for something greater to a completion.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I withdrew the money, I looked at how the drought season was taking shape and I decided to buy a second hand motorcycle for KES 45000.00. This motorbike was for both fetching water and also for small luggage and people feo a fee. Later on, the the remaining amount was for the family upkeep.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($498 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home spending time with my son. At 9 a.m as we were having breakfast, I received a message notification letting me know that I had received KES 55,000. I was overwhelmed with happiness as I realised I was finally able to accomplish a lot of what I had always wanted to, such as acquiring livestock.
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 now have a source of income. It's important to me to provide the basic needs of food, shelter and clothing for my four children. Sadly, this has not always been possible, because of a lack of money.
Once I received this transfer, however, I bought two oxen. I now work on people's farms and earn KES 2,000 per acre. I can now meet my family's needs, and I'm so grateful.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have always wanted to own oxen that can enable me to work on people's farms and earn money. So I was so glad to receive this transfer because it enabled me to purchase two of them at KES 28,000. I can now earn KES 2,000 per acre from this. Also, since we slept on an old mattress that was in tatters, I spent KES 10,000 on buying two new ones. Now we can sleep comfortably. Finally, I spent KES 4,000 on settling debts and saved KES 6,000. It makes me happy to know that I have some money that I've saved up for a rainy day.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I will be able to purchase motorbike. I own business of burning charcoal and sale to the nearest town. I do transport charcoal using bicycle which is too tiresome to ride till the intended destination. I therefore plan to use 45000 Kenya shillings to buy second hand motorcycle for efficient transportation of my product this will lead to collect more income than before, I also plan to use 30,000 kenyan shillings to buy a pair of oxen for the purpose of cultivation this will increase food production to my household and the rest of the money to purchase new beddings since the ones we use now are damaged due to heavy rains of last season. This is dream come true for me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of my is in the evening. As usual I leave home in the morning to transport charcoal to the market. I then come home in the evening when Iam exhausted. This time I feel so happy having dinner with my family and get time to rest after long busy day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in life is the transportation of charcoal since it is the economic activity that I engage in. I have 4 children whose basic needs should be met and the job that I do gives little income due to the transportation problem. I have been struggling to transport them to nearest town using motorcycle which is so tiresome and it only capable fo carrying just 3 sacs of charcoal which gives little income plus exhaustion.most of times I fail to fulfill my duties as husband.
