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.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I adore what you have done for my Village and entire society. Even though the change is slow, I'm certain that by the time five years will be elapsing, the impact will be bigger and evident than we imagined.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Being a housewife is not something that I enjoy. My dream has been starting my business so that I can become financially independent and support my husband with family responsibilities but financial inability has been the biggest stumbling block. My husband is a driver and he has been struggling to provide for our family with his KES 3000 monthly salary something that has pushed me in to charcoal burning to help him because we were getting in to lots of debts. One a good week, I can earn KES 800 and I have been saving half of it in a sacco for me to be able to start business in the long run. I saved KES 2000 in the sacco as this was my goal, to save KES 2000 monthly when I was enrolled in the in the program so that I can get enough capital to start business. I spend the balance worth KES 1000 to buy food as we didn't have any by the time I received the transfers.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was so happy having received that money because at the time I felt helpless since the kids had been home an entire week without school and would have probably and most definitely stayed home longer than that were it not for the funds that I received from GiveDirectly. At that moment this program was my saving grace for my family and I.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
This money played quite a huge role in assisting my kids continue with their education. Unfortunately I was never lucky enough to get educated and that is why I strive extra hard to see my kids go to school because lacking knowledge did affect me a lot to the point I got limited even in getting work. That is why my first priority upon receiving the money was more focused on the kids learning so they would have a better future and less limited opportunities.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My kids had actually been home an entire week without attending any classes, and this was due to the fact that I had yet to pay the tuition fees for that term, so the school decided they would not allow them to keep on attending classes. Fortunately a week later I received the money from GiveDirectly and decided to pay KES 500 and a few days later added KES 240 because some of them were sent back home again. I was left with KES 460 which I used to purchase four packets of maize flour since there was barely any food in the house to feed our family of eight.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have never been a business-minded person, farming is the only skill I have learned. This year with the current drought we are facing has taught me that depending on one thing and not being open-minded can be frustrating.
I have purposed to start small with a business I am confident I can manage and grow within time. I will invest in poultry farming and see to it that I get higher returns and from it buy a goat or two. I know a thing or two about raising chicken and I will use the little knowledge I have to make this business a success. I will raise the chicken for both layers and broilers.
Returns from the poultry business will also help pay school fees for my children. I have three girls who are in primary school. I intend to see to it that they finish their primary education and also go to high school.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am grateful for each day I wake up healthy. Life is a gift, I cherish every moment I get to spend with my children.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Education has always been a priority for me, I consider it as an investment. Back in the day, our parents never valued education especially when it came to women. Women were to be married off and bear children. I am married as a second wife and I have seven children. Four girls and three boys, three of the girls are in primary school and I want to see to it that they get the best education I can afford. I do not want them to go through the same life I have had to endure and be married off at an early age.
My cowife also has eight children, two of whom are still in school. We are both not working and we both depend on our husband who works as a Matatu driver in Mombasa.
His income is not sufficient, and as a result, my children are constantly sent back home for school fees. It has become a norm and it does not please my heart.
