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 ($467 USD)
access_time 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 complete the construction of a two-roomed rental house in the nearby town where I would rent them at KES 500 each. I will be able to earn an income of KES 1000 per month which will help me in taking care of my needs, especially food.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in sending cash transfers directly to poor households in my village. Furthermore, the transfer was not a loan where one is required to pay back. With all this, I do not see anything that it does no do notll.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had desired to start livestock rearing like others in the village. I spent KES 14,400 of the recent transfer to purchase 4 goats, this is something that I will depend on whenever I encounter any financial challenge. In addition, I used KES 5000 to purchase new clothes for every member of the family. Prior, we were wearing old and worn-out ones which was a shameful situation whenever I attended public gatherings. With the remaining amount, I purchased iron sheets that I intend to use to construct a rental house at the nearby market center.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($497 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I spend my days working as a waitress at a restaurant. On this day, I was going about my daily duties when at 8 a.m, I heard a notification on my phone. On checking it, I was surprised to see that I had received the transfer from GD. My heart was filled with so much joy. I felt like this was a blessing from God.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before receiving this transfer, I had desired to own livestock for a long time. I would often get anxious when I thought about financial emergencies that arise in daily life. When you own a few, you can sell the milk that they supply to earn money. You can also sell some of the livestock for the same.
Once I received the transfer, I didn't have to constantly worry about this. I was able to buy five goats. I also built a decent kitchen to cook my meals from. Finally, I bought a new bed and mattress. I now sleep more comfortably. My life has truly improved.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I've always thought that owning livestock is a wonderful thing for a household. They could provide a family with milk or be sold off when financial emergencies arise. So I spent KES 20,000 on the acquisition of five goats. I also spent KES 24,000 on building a new kitchen, so I can have a decent place to cook my family's meals. Lastly, I spent KES 10,500 on buying a bed and mattress. I didn't own one before and would sleep on the floor, which was so uncomfortable.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means building a business house. This has been my dream for 4 years but due to financial instability, it has never come to pass. I intend to spend 70,000 shillings to construct a semi-permanent house of 4 rooms at our center and rent it to students and teachers who leave closely. This is going to generate income for my family of 4 members. I will be collecting 4000 shillings every month which is enough to sustain all our basic needs such as food. Also, I plan to invest the remaining amount in livestock.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of the day. It is at this time when I come back home to rest and have time for myself and my family, after a long and tiresome day of burning charcoal in order to be able to provide for their basic needs.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I work as a charcoal vendor in the village this job is tiresome and earns me 350 shillings in 4 days. This amount is very little can not sustain all our needs such as food. Therefore, lack of a reliable source of income is my biggest hardship.
