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 ($438 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My goal is to add more livestock if I get some money. This is because I desire to invest in livestock. After all, they are safe to look after and can be converted to monetary value if the need arises. This is why I bought some in both transfers and I aim to buy more.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly is an organization that should be emulated by other organizations which want to have an impact on the community. Besides the good things that my community members did through GiveDirecly, it enabled me to set up a nice house which I could not have done any time soon due to poverty. I am very grateful for the organization because I have a secure house because of it.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I withdrew the money, I opted to construct a spacious house. This is because the one I had was very small and congested and thus could not comfortably accommodate my family. Thereafter, I bought some iron sheets, poles, rafters, roofing timbers, and other construction materials. The cost of all the materials as well as for constructing the house is best known by my helper. Having done that, I used the remaining amount for the family's upkeep.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($483 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 10 pm when I had completed taking my dinner and preparing to go to bed when I received the message alert on my phone. I was eager to know the content of the message however, I had to wait until morning when my helper would confirm the message to me since I am illiterate. At around 7 am, I called my helper to come to confirm the SMS. I was very happy for receiving my transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The Biggest difference is that I am leading a happy life after receiving the aid. Through the transfer, I was able to buy a motorbike that engages in the taxi business something that earns me an income of KES 500 per day. I am no longer going to bed without food nowadays unlike before. Presently, I can meet my immediate needs without struggle, neither depending on my relative for food nor having to ask for help from strangers.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Being jobless and unable to find a job because I cannot walk, supporting my needs has been a great challenge for me. Receiving the transfer was a tremendous help, I spent KES 25,000 to purchase a brand new motorbike on hire purchase and planning to pay the remaining on installment. This was to be used by my grandchild for taxi business something that will earn me an income to support my basic needs like food. I am currently happy earning at least KES 500 per day from this business which has made my life improved. Furthermore, I spent the remaining amount to construct a spacious house for myself. Previously, I was living in a small roofed house that was not enough to for me and the household's goods.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My spouse died in 2016, he left me with a small structure which was falling down. It did not take a while the house slumped and I was vacated without a home. My grandchild granted me his house and since then I have been living there because financial instability could not allow me to compose one. Receiving this money means building my own spacious house. I am planning to spend 50,000 KES to build a beautiful house which can accommodate me and my grandchildren when they come to visit me. In addition, I will invest the remaining amount on livestock which will generate income to me in future.
What is the happiest part of your day?
A month ago, my grandchild blessed me with 2000 KES which I purchased 10 hens with. They are progressing well and I believe they will multiply and I will sell them at a profitable price and support my needs. This brought a lot of joy to my life because at least I have something to depend on.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I am currently facing is providing for my needs. Since my husband died in 2016, life has not been easy. He was the only breadwinner who could support me from his casual jobs. My age and health do not allow me to work. I rely on my grandchildren for survival who works as casual laborers.
