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 ($477 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?
My new goal is to start livestock rearing especially goats so that I may have a reliable source of livelihood for my family. Currently, we are depending on charcoal vending an activity that is low-paying, very tiresome, and has a lot of restrictions due to its environmental effects. This has brought so many challenges especially in providing for the family. I had wished to start goat rearing but I lacked the financial capacity. In addition, I am the only breadwinner for the family because my husband is old and can't work anymore.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, sending direct cash to our mobile phones was the great thing that GiveDirectly did well. Furthermore, we were able to decide at our household level how we will use our transfer for the betterment of our life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 10,000 to construct a 3 roomed house for my family. This is because for many years since l I got married I have not been able to construct a nice house due to our poverty conditions. I was living in a small structure that can not even accommodate two beds. This has been frustrating because our kids were forced to be sheltered by our neighbors. I also bought proper beddings for KES 20,000 since we were using a tiny bed with sacks as bedding that were uncomfortable. Furthermore, I used KES 20,000 to clear the fees arrears for my kids who had huge balances that make them be frequently sent home. Lastly, we are experiencing food shortages in our area and I used the remaining amount to acquire sufficient food.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($495 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 with my husband and our son who had been sent home due to school fees. I was busy doing my household chores like sweeping since I am a housewife. I had just completed making a call when I saw a Mpesa message on my phone. I gave my phone to my spouse who ascertained that I had received my transfers from GiveDirectly. I felt very happy about receiving my transfer since I had a lot of plans to accomplish with my transfer. It was a happy moment and everyone in my family celebrated receiving the aid.
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 optimistic that I will be able to restore my dignity once I complete the construction of my house. The construction that is going on gives me hope that I will finally be living in a better shelter. In addition, I am able to meet the needs of my family easier after purchasing enough foodstuffs for my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 40,000 to construct a decent and specious shelter for my family. I bought building poles, timber, and 33 iron sheets which are enough to build a 3 roomed house for my family. This is because the house I had earlier was very small to fully accommodate me, my co-wife, and the children. In addition, I was living in the same house with my grown-up daughters which was against our customs. Furthermore, I purchased a pair of school uniforms for each of my 4 kids who are still schooling as well as paying their fees school fee arrears of KES 10,000. I bought food sufficient food with the remaining amount.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have desired to invest in livestock because it is the only way I can save my money to earn a profit when I sell them after they multiply. Therefore I intend to start with 10 goats that will cost me $300 of my first transfer. The remaining amount of my first transfer will cater to food expenses and other household needs. With my second transfer, it will help me to buy a new bed and a mattress to replace the old ones which do not give me a nice sleep. I will further use the remaining amount to pay school fees for my grandchildren.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Morning is the happiest part of my day. Waking up healthy with my family is something that gives me joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship that I have ever faced is a financial crisis. I am an unskilled person and getting a good job is a challenge to me. I am a charcoal vendor earning very little income of $30 per month. This amount cannot fully support all household needs. The little amount I earn from my charcoal vending cater for food only, thus preventing me from fulfilling another household needs.
