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.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The morning I received transfers, my children were sent out of school to collect pending tuition fees. Their father, who we heavily count on, could not afford the amount at the moment, so I accompanied them to the institution, paid 1,300 KES and they resumed studies. Additionally, I spent 2,700 KES on food and 2,000 KES on a goat to increase the herd size as well as the potential for future income creation. For the transfers that came in December, every penny was spent on providing celebratory meals for Christmas.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer of kes 1500 in paying school fees for my son who is a candidate this year and the balance of kes 1500 bought a bale of maize flour which would last for two weeks for my family of 6 members.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The one thing I love about Give directly is that they are giving us unconditional money. They have given us the option of what matters to us. I can pay school fees and buy food without blinking on how I would repay the debt.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 1700 on two of my children who are in grades seven and eight. I also to pay for my younger son who is in grade 2, KES.750. I decided to focus on their education so that they can go to school consistently and improve their performance. They also had exams coming up and I did not want them to miss them. The remaining KES.550, I used it to buy food for their family. Having been living from hand to mouth this whole year, I wanted my family to eat well as they go about their daily lives.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was cattle grazing that morning and I had not checked my phone as I had left it at home. One of my children who had just come home from school at noon came running to me showing the message. I could not believe it. I was very happy, I could not contain my joy.
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 sense of security knowing that I have a source of income for a long period. I know that I can meet our basic needs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the money I received, I was able to pay school fees for my three children. I paid KES.1200 and even added some more to clear the balance. Life before this program was not as great but we managed. I used to sell borehole water. To make ends meet. I am the sole provider of my family with five being my children. I now can read assured that their education will go smoothly due to this income and I am grateful.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My ambition is to become a businesswoman. I own a piece of land, my dream was to construct a rental store for business. Due to a lack of funds, my dream has been invalid. I plan to save enough money when I begin to receive the transfers to build the rental stores and to add more goods into my shop. I foresee within 5 years I will be able to achieve my goal.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning when I wake up healthy and energetic. This means that I will be able to work to earn something to support my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband is a water vendor. He earns 2500KES every month which is insufficient for the upkeep of a family of seven. My children have been chased out of school several times due to school arrears. As a wife, I rely on subsistence farming and water vending to earn a living. The drought has rendered our land barren. It has been difficult to live in such a financial distress.
