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 ($473 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?
They new goal that I didn't had before I received the transfer is buying a water tank. This was not on my mind, my main priority was the school fees for my children. When I received the second transfer I found it worth to purchase a tank for storing clean water.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion GiveDirectly does well buy giving money to the poor in the community to build better house and to buy dairy cows. I do not find anything that GiveDirectly did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 18,000 on school fees for my children. I am so grateful because my children are studying well without being sent home like before. I purchased materials and renovated my house to look decent. I bought a water tank for storing clean water for domestic uses. The rest of the money I spent on food for the family. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has improved our living standards.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received the transfer I felt so happy. I remember it was around 10 am when I heard a ringtone message from my phone. I was taking care of my cows that moment. I reluctantly check it thinking it was just a usually messages from friends. I could not believe my eyes. It was a message confirming that I have received money from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy because I have never received such amount of money. I knew I would be able to buy building materials to build a better house. I immediately went back home and inform my family members. They all celebrated with joy. I went and withdrew it that day and sat down with my family and planned on how to spent the transfer.
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 have bought building materials ready to build a better house. We live in a small house with my family. The house is so dusty and we are exposed to dust particles which might caused respiratory related diseases. Due to our old age it's not easy to maintain the house to be neat since it involves smearing. I do small scale farming and it's only for consumption. I do not have any other source of income. We had wished to build a house but there was no money. Currently I have bought timber and other materials needed. I am waiting for the second transfer so that I can start the construction process. I will cement the floor and ensure that we are no longer exposed to dust. We will also have spacious rooms for visitors. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has given us hope to continue achieving our dreams.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 25,000 to pay school fees for my child who was joining form one. This was the biggest challenge that we had. We are so grateful for the support because we were able to pay on time. I have bought building materials ready to build a better house for my family, I am planning to start this soon. I bought wire and fence my farm to prevent neighbor's cows from destroying my crops. The rest of the money I bought food and clothes for my children. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has enabled us to do all this activities successful.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
As you can see our condition at the moment,our bodies are weak, both of us are now disabled. My wife was diagnosed with stroke disease in 2007,which paralysed one side of her body.I sold most of my livestock to cater for her medication,her medication was expensive ,I used almost USD 2000. In the year 2015 I suffered a mild stroke that paralysed left side of my body ,I sold the remaining 2 cows to treat myself and therefore I was left with none.My treatment costed me around USD 1000. I felt better but after 9 months a wound developed in the leg that was affected by stroke. It pained me alot ,the doctors later recommended amputation. I was amputated on May 2020 and to date I use crutches to aid me move around. Our bodies are not strong to fend for our children and to pay them school fees. Livestock was my main stay and if I can purchase some dairy cows it will really assist us alot.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am paralysed and therefore I cannot actively engaged with household activities like before. Most of time I sit in my compound as I listen to the radio.I like listening to a local radio station called "chamge".There is a program in the morning that I like most .It suffices to say that my happiest part of my day is in the morning.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
We both of us felt sick ,we sufferedsame problem. it has really been paining me alot and has left me with more questions than answers .It is like a punishment to my family. My wife was right handed ,the stroke affected her right side of the body and therefore she had to learn to use the left hand . Also, I used to be left handed ,the stroke affected the left side of my body .To date I am still learning to use the right hand .This disease actually grounded us since it affected our active part of our bodies. We are really struggling to carry our daily routines. Life has never been the same. Disability is bad especially when it affects both parents.
