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 ($465 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 complete the construction of my house which I had started with my transfer. I am planning to set up a steel door and plaster it. In addition, I planning to construct a shade for the two dairy cows that I bought with the second transfer. They are currently staying outside something that frustrated me that they may be stolen.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did well for helping the poor household in the society through the sending of cash transfers to the mobile. In addition, after receiving our transfers they conduct follow-up calls to know how we spent the transfer something that has increased the cohesion with the beneficiaries.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For many years, I have wished to start in livestock rearing, especially dairy cows. This is because they have a high profit compared to goats. I will be able to sell milk once they reproduce to earn income that would support daily essential needs. I spent KES 30,000 of my recent transfer to purchase 2 indigenous dairy cows. In addition, I used the remaining amount to start a small restaurant at our nearby market center. Currently, I have a reliable source of income for myself and am happy that I can now earn daily income that supports my family's basic needs like food more easily.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($496 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was on a Thursday, at about 9 a.m. I had accompanied my daughter to school and had just gotten back when I heard a message notification come in. On checking my phone, I was met with a delightful surprise. It was a notification showing that I had received KES 55,000 from GiveDirectly. Words can not explain how happy I felt. I looked forward to finally building a decent house for my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The transfer from GiveDirectly has been a godsend.
Before receiving the money, my daughter and I lived in a dilapidated mud house. It was old and grass-thatched, and the fact that it was falling apart made things worse. I constantly worried about our safety, especially during the rainy season. I am a single mother and depend on selling fish to earn a living. I earn KES 200 a day from this, and therefore could not afford to improve our living conditions.
I'm pleased that this is no longer the case. This donation enabled me to build a contemporary, one-bedroom house. My daughter and I now sleep comfortably. The constant anxiety about our safety is gone, and it feels wonderful.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Until a few weeks ago, my daughter and I lived in a small grass-thatched mud house. It was old and falling apart. This made me anxious about our safety. So I prioritised the construction of a new, one-bedroom house when I received the transfer from GiveDirectly. The construction material including timber, bricks, iron sheets and labour costs amounted to KES 49,000. I also spent KES 5,000 on paying for school fees for my daughter. My greatest wish for her is to stay in school and get a good education so she can live a good quality of life.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money mean improved living standard to my household.I plan to spend Kshs.70,000- of the transfers to purchase a plot and establish my own home.I am currently living in a family compound of 3 acres and being a single mother it will be impossible for my child to have a share from it.
I will use the remaining amount, to construct a house and pay school fees for my daughter.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning.This is because when I wake up Iam fresh and get to know the well being of my neighbors.Unlike in the afternoon and evening hours when Iam away selling my fish and return home tired.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in my life is lack of school fees for my daughter.I am single mother rely on small business of selling fish around my village.The business earns me a profit of Kshs.200 on a good day.The profit is not enough to cater for food, clothing, medical and fees which makes me struggle to manage family.This makes me feel sad.
