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?
About three days before receiving the transfers from GiveDirectly my grandson unfortunately got involved in an accident where he got knocked over by a car. Luckily he survived and was quickly rushed to hospital where they confirmed he had a broken leg and they took care of him but his parents fell short on the payment and asked for my help. I obliged and sent them KES 2,000 of the transfers I had received from GiveDirectly so that my grandson would receive proper treatment and come back home. I remained with a balance of KES 1,000 which I decided to use for matters concerning nourishment since I barely had any food in the house and due to my old age most times I depended on my family to sort me out in that area and matters concerning a meal. I went on and bought six packets of maize flour and to kilograms of beans.
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 transfer timing is very perfect.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used to depend on farming for food production but for the past two years, this area has received very little amount of raifall to support maize production. Since then, acquiring food has been a challenge to this house hold. I spent the money I received to buy food.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The message came in early in the morning at about eight and I was very elated because I could take care of my pending debts like my grandson's highschool tuition and he would not have to be home anymore and I could also buy food meaning my family would not have to worry concerning meals for sometime.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Being able to assist my family and my extended one too is such a huge relief because I am a bit old and my job involves making beds out of sisal so it does not cater for all our basic needs most times due to the small pay, so being able to finally assist when the help is really needed is liberating.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the transfers the first thing I thought of was ensuring my grandson would manage to go back to school since he had been sent home about a week ago and because I had no money I could not help. But upon receiving the money, the next day he was on his way back to school and I cleared the outstanding debt with KES 2000 and I was left with KES 500 to still pay but at least he could manage to access school once more. I also took care of food for my family by purchasing maize and beans which cost KES 500 and KES 480 respectively.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I will be happy to change my lighting options from a kerosene lamp to a solar. I intend to save the first four transfers to aid the purchase and installation of solar panels. This will change our lives for the better because tin lamps affect our health. The soot from the lamp takes a toll on my eyesight and breathing. I am afraid it might damage my lungs in the longer term.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I enjoy every moment of my life regardless of all the problems. It makes me happy to see that God fights all my battles and I don't have to worry so much.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest challenge I am facing right now is the luxury of a well-balanced meal. I would like to incorporate fruits and vegetables into my diet but my low financial status cannot allow it. Whenever I visit my son in Mombasa, I enjoy well-made meals and within a week I can feel my health improve. I add some weight and feel stronger. I always wish to maintain such a lifestyle but it costs a fortune.
