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
55000 KES ($510 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Living in a decent and habitable house with my family is what makes my life different. Previously, I had small, leaking grass roofed house which was about to collapse. I am now residing in spacious one with my family something that I wished for a decade. Also, I was able to start livestock rearing like others in the village, a venture that will be a reliable source of income for my family. In addition, My child was able to get his result and certificate after completing his studies two years ago.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well for sending cash transfer direct to our phones which has empowered many households in my community. With the transfer, I was able to get a decent shelter and starts livestock rearing a reliable source of income for my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $300 my second transfer to complete the construction of house which I have begun with my first transfer. I purchased 22 iron sheets, timber, nails and paid labor charges. This is because the one I had earlier was very small and about to collapse. Furthermore, I spent part of the remaining amount to complete fee payment for my child who had completed his secondary school education but failed to clear the arrear. I bought enough food for my family with the remaining amount of the transfer.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 1300Hrs and I was just in the house seated. I heard a message come into my phobe and on checking the message, it was the Mpesa message for the transfers. I was very very happy when I saw the message. I was very excited. I am grateful to GiveDirectly.
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 was able to build a house. We did not have house as the one that we currently have is small and it is also grass thatched. I am happy my family and I can now live in a comfortable house.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfers to build a bigger and better house for my family and I also bought three goats. We lived in a small house that did not have enough space. I have one child who is two years old and my husband is a security guard. I am a housewife myself and we could never have raised enough money to build a house. I am very grateful to GiveDirectly.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My first priority is building a house when I receive this money. I live in a very tiny house because my other house was swept away by the rains. I will use approximately 500 USD to build a two roomed house. I will then use 150 USD to buy 5 goats. This will act as a future investment for paying school fees for my children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I spend 4 hours of the morning hours in my farm and 2 hours in the evening. Farming is my source of livelihood. The happiest part of my day is in the morning because I always feel energetic to do the farm activities. My productivity is usually high.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My dream was to study up to college level and become a doctor. However, my dream never came true since I had to drop out of school in primary school after only 7 years. This is because my father who was raised us single handedly after my mother passed on could not afford my school fees. My mother passed on when I was very young. I have never felt that motherly love. I am sure if I had continued with my studies,I could be at a better place than my current situation. I struggle a lot getting income to feed my child.
