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?
Initially from my first and second transfer have been going towards paying my children schoolfees. When I got my recent transfer I used Kes 1000 for food because we had little left.I also paid Kes 1500 towards school fees and I used kes 350 in buying to young chicken and I was left with Kes 150 which I bought toiletries for my home
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?
I love how Give directly enrolls everyone into the program without favoring anyone. They do not need to change anything as they are good.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I took KES.2000 and paid school fees for the children as they spent the majority of their time at home instead of studying with their friends. I wanted them to have a semblance of normalcy where they would consistently go to school and come back home when they need to and not due to school fees balances. The rest of the money, KES.1000 I used to buy food for the family. They would now be able to have something to eat before going to school which would help them to concentrate in class. This would not have been possible without Give directly.
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?
On that day when we were to receive this money, my phone was off. My friends later came in and told me they had gotten KES.3000.I knew that mine would be different as I had taken a phone with KES.18000. On confirming that I got KES.1200 I withdrew it and gave it to my son to pay school fees. I was very happy and blessed.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in life is that now I can provide for things like school fees and food. There were times that we would be lucky to even have two meals a day.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a farmer and during this draught, it has been difficult to earn some income to support my family. The drought has brought about no rain for planting and no water for drinking. With this money, I was able to pay KES.1200 on school fees for my children who are already in school.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Our local town center is developing at a high rate. Local secondary schools are making in-takes of students from out of the Sub-county. The demand for rental houses has thus increased. I have always thought of constructing mud walled houses for rentals to accommodate both teachers, children and even medical staffs who work in the nearby dispensary. The monthly transfers will help me comfortably service a loan in one of the financial institutions in town, to realize this ambition.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I work as a Community Health Volunteer in our local hospital. Being a voluntary job, I do not have a salary to wait for. I depend on allowances upon a call of a seminar or training. It's in these times that I feel happy because I know I will be sent some money to help me run my daily errands.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I developed eyes problem way back when I was in class two. My eyes were itching. I visited several hospitals to know fruits. I was supposed to purchase glasses but due to financial problems at home, this could not be done. This problem kept me out of school as I could not properly see and concentrate in class. It is something that I regret to date for cutting short my education goals.
