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 have always had and interest and passion in growing my farm and this includes poultry farming and livestock keeping but always failed and fell short in the department of finances. So when I got introduced to GiveDirectly I saw it as an opportunity to finally begin expanding my farm. After receiving the mony I went ahead and bought three hens which cost me KES 600 and then bought two ducks, one male and the other female which cost me KES 1,600. I was left with a balance of KES 800 where I opted for nutrition and proceeded to buy three packets of maize flour for KES 360 then used what was left to buy a kilogram of sugar and a kilogram of beans.
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?
Since the onset of curfew in Kenya, my business drastically underperformed. This subjected me to financial stress for a couple of months. However, when I received my recent transfer, I spent it on expanding my business. This to some extent has boosted my business thus it generates profit of KES 150 daily.
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?
Give directly is giving us options on how we can spend this money and not forcing us to pick one as we all have different priorities. I can plan for my future by expanding my business. I have yet to see something that Give Directly needs to change as they are okay.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The first thing I did was to buy stock for my business worth KES.2000, which is just a small general shop where you can buy body oil, tea le,aves, and even breakfast items like bread or milk. I wanted to grow my business so at it may increment my income and support my family. This would be a stepping stone to financial freedom. The other KES.1000 was used to buy food for my family so that we don't go to the business and consume the stock. This has been a good time for my family as we have money coming in making our lives a little bit easier. Thank you 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?
I received the text message that I had received money from GiveDirectly at 8 in the morning. I was in the process of finding something to eat for my family. When I received the notification I called my husband and he came took my phone looked at it and confirmed that indeed I had received the money. We instantly became happy and our hearts were filled with joy and I was full of laughter.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The money has made a big difference in my life. My brother who was in critical condition at the time I was receiving the money is now recovering well. He is truly grateful that the money you sent was able to help him out in paying part of his hospital bill. The money has also played a big role in being able to purchase food for my family to avoid starvation. I am grateful for that.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I received KSH 1200 from Give Directly. I spent KSH 300 in paying school fees for my 2 children. Few days before receiving the money my two children who were at school were sent home due to school fees arrears. At that time I had a lot going on in my mind. I was much stressed my younger brother was in the hospital and I was also required to find the money for his treatment. When I received the money I paid KSH 4000 to the hospital so that he could be treated. With all this in my mind, I also took KSH 500 and bought food for my family. I did not have money and the food stocks in my house had finished so I decide to buy more food.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
This program just came at the right time, as a family we have been going through a very tough season especially with the drought. Getting food to feed my children has been a challenge, I am a housewife with no income and I depend on my husband. He is a maize miller and his business has suffered tremendously with this drought. We go without food at times for days and I have to watch my children cry because of hunger, all I am able to give them are fruits from a nearby tree which is not enough. I intend to start a small business selling vegetables to at least support my husband in meeting some basic needs. In time I will work on a plan to buy a cow as an investment, I will sell the milk and the rest use it to feed my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The days I do not experience my monthly cycle are the happiest. These are the days I can be around my husband and children joyful, with no pain and eat well when there is food. As a woman, I wish to go through this with little or no pain at all.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have a challenge with my reproductive system, doctors say my fallopian tubes are blocked. I go through a lot of pain especially when it is that time of the month, my head aches and I cannot feed on anything. Ever since I gave birth to my children it has worsened. I dread every time my monthly cycle is about to start. I have been on medication for the past ten years but currently I cannot afford the medicines and I have to bear the pain. I long for the day I will find medical assistance and be done with this constant pain.
