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 ($441 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My goal at the moment is to improve my tailoring skills. I intend to join a tailoring school to sharpen my skills which I will then apply to improve my tailoring business. I also want to get into rearing free range chicken ,which I will sell and supply to local eateries. I believe this will improve my income greatly.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Give Directly has reduced poverty amongst my people by helping those who are truly in need. As one of the beneficiaries of this wonderful program, I am proud to say that my life has changed for the better.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had not finished constructing my house and so I spent the transfers on buying cement,building stones and sand to complete construction. The rest of the transfers I invested in my goat rearing business by adding nine more goats to my existing stock. This is a great boost and I'm assured of a tidy profit once they are fully grown.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($475 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my transfer, I was busy with the house chores when I heard my phone ringing and vibrating loudly, Upon checking I saw a Mpesa notification message showing that I had received money from GiveDirectly. I was overwhelmed with joy and happiness, I knew that I would be able to build a decent house for my family which I was unable to all these years. I am grateful to have received support from GiveDirectly.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My daily life is different in that, I managed to construct a decent house which I had yearned for so long. It is like a dream come true, my family has a decent place to call home thanks to the organisation. Seeing my children happy melts my heart, I feel happy and fulfilled. I am forever grateful for the support that changed my life positively lifting our living standards.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My heart's desire was for me to be able to build a decent house for my family. Though realizing the goal seemed impossible due to financial obstacles. When GiveDirectly promised us the unconditional transfer, I used the opportunity to realise my dream where I used a sum of KES 42,000. Indeed all hope was not lost because I was able to construct the house in a short period. lastly, I used KES 8000 in buying two goats. We are indeed grateful for the support that impacted our lives fully.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My one bedroom house is in poor condition. One of the walls is falling off and I feel unsafe living in it. Further more it is a small one which can not accommodate the three of us as my son deserves to have his own room. Receiving this money would mean I build 3 bedroom house which will be able to accommodate all of us and I believe through this it will guarantee us the privacy and an extra room for visitors. I will spend 65000 KES on building costs. I will also spend 12000 KES on buying goats and the rest of the transfer will be spent on food and other basic needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
When my son was healing from malaria one week ago. I felt very happy as the situation has been draining the little money we had trying to get him the best medical care we could afford. I am always delighted see him in good health.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My two year old son has been suffering from malaria for the past one month. Despite taking him for medication at the local dispensary the condition did not improve. This has emotionally affected me because I can not afford taking home to the best hospitals for special attention. Lack of enough money to provide my family with basic needs such as food is also a challenge as we only depend on my husband who works as a casual labour at the quarry earning 300 KES per day.
