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 ($493 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?
My life is different than it would have been if I never received the transfer in that I am now a landowner, through the aid, I was able acquire a piece of land and constructed our new home since the one we had been living for the many was a communal land. In addition, I acquired 6goats a longterm investment and a source of livelihood for the family. Furthermore, I own ox and ox-plough which will assist me in preparation of my farm. Back in the days, I was hiring from the neighbour which was relatively expensive.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well for sending us the transfer which improved our living standards. Through the transfer, I was able to construct a house and acquired a piece of land.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $200 to purchase a one acre piece of land. At the moment, we have relocated and we have build a home. This is because the place where we had been living was Community owned. Moreover, I also purchased building materials like building poles, timber, 16 iron sheets this was for the new house the I had construct for the family. The remaining amount I used it to purchase sufficient food.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received a message around midday. I remember I was taking my lunch rest when I heard my phone buzzing. When I checked the contents, I felt happy because I had received my first transfer from 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 now have a new bed and a mattress to sleep on comfortably. Before I was visited, I was sleeping on the dusty ground using some old rags and tattered mats which were not comfortable. Moreso it was not good for my health but since my financial status could not allow to buy new ones, I had to use them. I would still be using the old mats had I not received the financial help, which I am grateful to GiveDirectly for changing my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before the coming of GiveDirectly, I was sleeping using old mats and using old traditional bed which was not comfortable. I was not able to replace my beddings for years. I am grateful to GiveDirectly because the transfer has enabled me to buy a new bed and a mattress which I am currently using. In addition to this, I also bought some building poles in order to renovate my house. One side was full of cracks and was nearly collapsing. I had to renovate it to avoid further loss. I also bought some goats which I am expecting them to reproduce and increase in number. I can readily sell them to cater for my financial needs.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Subsistence farming has been my source of food but considering my age, I am more challenged during land preparation since I use traditional methods like the use of a hoe. I have desired to own oxen and ox plough but because of financial predicament, this has never come to reality. My plan once I receive this money is to spend 380 dollars to sort out this, and I will be sure of food security for my family since tilling my farm will be easy and on time. On the other hand, I intend to use 150 dollars to repair my house which is on one side is just braving the strong winds of our area. Having done this, my life will have a new version, a change that I have wished for a long time.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Being a land preparation season, I usually wake up early in the morning to work on my farm, and thereafter, I leave to the bush to do my charcoal job. This means spending the entire day involved in activities and it is only in the evening where I get ample time to eat my dinner and rest. Therefore, I consider the evening as the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
As a widow, I assumed the burden of providing food for my family, and since I depend on subsistence farming which in most cases is not reliable, I am forced to engage in odd jobs like charcoal burning to earn cash. Because this type of work is tiresome and time-consuming, sometimes I fail to get food and the only option has been to borrow from my relatives. Therefore, food insecurity has been the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life.
