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?
I spent a portion of the money from the transfer to pay for solar lights that I purchased on hire purchase. I am happy that my children can study well during the night. Unlike before, my house is well lit and my expense have reduced since I no longer buy paraffin for my lanterns. In addition, I spent KSH 250 to cater for a three-day meal for my child, who was sitting for his final primary examinations. He could do his exams well and we are looking forward to him having excellent results. Because of the drought, I no longer work on the farm and have made it difficult to provide food for my family. The money from the transfer was a major boost for me as I bought food and they have not slept hungry since then.
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 used the first transfer to buy food and pay my children's school fees. I always leave KES 400 on my Mpesa app so as to be able to buy electricity tokens. Hence, the remaining amount I used on tokens. I then used the second transfer to buy food. At that time, we were hard struck by drought and had no food thus the transfer came in handy. As usual, I left KES 400 to buy tokens. When I received the third transfer, I was out of the house and on that particular day, I was so hungry. I therefore bought breakfast and used the rest to buy food. Remembering to leave KES 400 for tokens.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After I received I was very elated because I had bills to pay and also my family and I needed a meal so I bought a bag of maize flour which contained twelve packets and it cost me around KES 1,200 and used KES 300 to buy fish and kales. Then after we had a meeting as villages to discuss issues concerning the education of our children so the fare back and forth cost me KES 500. I also paid the electricity bill so as to avoid the lights being cut off which was KES 400 and lastly I bought pesticide for my livestock worth KES 300.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I used to help in the repairing of roofs but after the pandemic the business deteriorated which in turn also affected my way of earning money so GiveDirectly has really helped especially since my children can stay in school and every time they come home they have something to eat as compared to before.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I managed to pay my utility bills and have some light in my house for me and my family to use and see clearly during night time and also my kids can finally sit for their exams with no outstanding debts.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the transfers I first considered nourishment for my family where I went ahead and bought six packets of flour which cost me a total of KES 600. I also decided to purchase some rope so as to aid in tethering my livestock when I took them for grazing which cost me KES 400. Then I paid for the exam fees to three of my children which cost me a total of KES 200 and with the rest of the money I managed to pay for electricity bills which was about KES 1800.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was very excited because I finally felt less stressed out since I paid for my kids necessities at school and a meal for my family. Also with the transfers that I will keep receiving I intend to renovate my house because it is almost collapsing and I am have looking forward to fixing it for a while now so I am happy that I finally get an opportunity to do so.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Poverty has deprived my family of the privilege to live a good life. At my age, I am not so productive but they have no other option than to rely on me for survival. Fending for a family of eight is such a struggle because its not easy to get a job. I knit traditional sleeping mats and it takes two weeks to complete one which goes for 300 KES. Sometimes I am forced to sacrifice my meal to feed the children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Sharing a meal with my family in the evening makes me happy. Their chatters and smiles assure me that they still believe in me as the family head.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
As darkness falls, joy finds its way out of my heart. The thought of spending another awful night in this rugged house is enough to scatter my soul. It's impossible not to picture it cave in and bury us under the debris. With this condition, insomnia has become part and parcel of me. Renovating it would be a priority were it not for my penniless situation. I see this money as a savior sent to rescue my poor family from possible harm. For 35000 KES, I will put my house back to shape.