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?
We really appreciate the support accorded by GiveDirectly from the unconditional transfers they give and this enables us remain focused on the different projects set.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Being expectant with my fifth child and my husband; our breadwinner not being around frequently due to work schedule, life has somehow been challenging and tough to go by. I sell sardines to atleast make some small income to take care of daily basic utilities. The KES 3000 from GiveDirectly played a major role in solving some of the needs around. I spared KES 500 to assist in ferrying my husband from Mombasa to Kilifi so that he could be able to attend to his milk supplying job while there. The phone I had been using was spoilt, and I had to use KES 1300 to get myself a new one in order to stay connected with friends and family. I was also able to buy school uniforms for my children worth KES 500 for them to attend school well dressed. A further KES 700, I bought food for the whole family as what was left was quite minimal and the addition would last us for a further one week.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
On the day the transfer was sent, I had no food at all. My husband had also not sent us some money. The previous day, my family missed some meals and I was just wondering when we would be able to get money and buy food. Fortunately, I heard a message notification and upon checking it, I felt so happy to realize that my transfer had been sent. Actually with that transfer, I was able to buy food for my family members. I am really appreciative to GiveDirectly for such a kind support.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since I received my transfer, the biggest difference in my life is having food that could sufficiently last my family for 1 week. The food stuff bought came in handy before my husband sent me some upkeep. As a result of the transfer, I had some peace of mind despite the fact that the cash I expected was delayed. In addition, I have been able to actively concentrate on my grocery business which is now striving to perform better than it was before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I live in a rural home setup while my husband works in Mombasa. More often, I rely on him to send money for my household's upkeep. By the time I received my transfer, he had not yet sent upkeep. I therefore spent KES 1,000 on buying food since I did not have money then. Although I run a small grocery business, it does not fetch me good profit. Secondly, I saved KES 1,000 and the rest of the transfer helped me in buying a phone battery for my mother-in-law whose mobile phone battery was faulty. She is very old and could not complete the whole process alone.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Late last year, a strange sickness engulfed and killed all my chickens. They were ready for sale. That was pretty unfortunate but I will not dwell on the past. Chicken gives good returns when I sell. I can make up to KES 300 per chicken as profit. With the first KES 3,000, I will buy six more, each at KES 500, and add to what I already have. Every other transfer I get thereafter, I will save KES 1,000 every month in a Sacco as I think of the business I can set up with the money I will accumulate at the end of three years. The rest we shall use for food and school fees.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am grateful for my husband. He does not make much money but he does his best to provide for us. I am also happy that all family members are in good health and alive.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My sister-in-law left her marriage. She brought her four children to me so that she can go to Nairobi in search of a job. I do not mind looking after the children but the financial burden has been left to my husband and me. I also have four children of my own. My husband works as a casual laborer and makes about KES 10,000 a month. This money is not enough to pay fees for eight children, feed and clothe them. It's a big struggle.
