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?
With the giving of unconditional transfers to the lesser communities without discrimination, GiveDirectly has brought much hope of a better future and also a guarantee of free monthly income to the people.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving the KES 3000 from GiveDirectly positively impacted my life and that of my family during these tough times. I am married to one lovely husband and together we have four children, two of whom are in school. I am a stay at home wife ensuring the home is tidy all day and my family is well looked after. My husband is currently employed at a nearby company where he receives monthly stipends to support us. From the amount I received, I was able to buy three chicken at KES 1500 adding to the one I previously had and now I can practice poultry farming comfortably. The remaining amount of KES 1500, I bought food for the whole house as what was earlier on there was completely finished. Thanks to the funds, we now have food for one month.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($10 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 8am and I was busy washing clothes for my new born baby who is barely one month old. Fortunately, one of the family members called me and informed me that the transfer had been sent. I hurriedly checked my messages and I was so happy to confirm that my Mpesa account had been credited with KES 1,200. In order to meet my pressing needs then, I never wasted time but rather hurriedly went to withdraw my transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I appreciate the fact that as a result of my GD transfer, my life was made better. The transfer really helped me in obtaining food when I was down financially. Since I had given birth, I really needed to have adequate food in the house. However, my husband was away and he was unable to support us well because he has equally been struggling to get a casual job.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I did not have sufficient food in the house. When I received my transfer, I first bought maize flour. Prior to that, I did not have any money because I was unable to work since I had previously given birth. As a result, I had been unable to engage in any heavy work. In addition, I spent part of the transfer to seek medication for my three children who felt unwell at once. I am glad that courtesy of GiveDircerly's transfer, I was able to support my little children.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My dream has always been to live in a big comfortable house. A house I can host visitors comfortably when they need a place to sleep and still have my privacy.
I appreciate my husband, he did his best and build us a house although it is small. I will take up the role of expanding it to a two-roomed house and buy iron sheets and other materials needed. I assume that it will cost about 50000 KES which will be inclusive of labor.
What is the happiest part of your day?
This new year was a joy for us as a family. My husband visited from Nairobi, it had been long since he last came. We slaughtered a hen and eat together since he did not make it during Christmas.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am seven months pregnant, flu infection has been my constant challenge. I have been in and out of hospitals because of the same since it renders me weak and unable to walk or do a lot of work.
I long for the day I will be able to finish this journey safely and get to see my baby.
