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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($476 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I do not have any new goals for now and I am thankful for the one that I accomplished which was to construct a new house for my kids. Initially they used to sleep at their friends houses because ours was not spacious. It was an embarrassing moment for them because they were all grownups. I am happy that my dream has finally come true because they are now sheltering in one roof in my compound which has been my prayer.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did a superb job by ensuring that they visited every household in my region. Apart from that was well informed on how to secure my money and this enlightened most of us since 50% of my village were not conversant with the Mpesa. I do not see any part that the organization failed us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on paying school fees of KES 27000 for my ten children who are in kindergarten, primary and secondary schools respectively. This has been the major challenge that I have been experiencing for years and thus is the because I relied on temporary jobs for my daily upkeep. My children have always been at home and this has been affecting their academic performance in general. As a parent, I am so thankful for they are now continuing with their studies without any disturbances. I also bought a second-hand motorbike on credit at KES 16000. This has now been the main source of income and all I can say is that I am humbled because the money I earn on a daily basic has uplifted my living standard. With the remaining amount of money I bought foodstuffs for my family and other household items that I was lacking.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was awakened by our son who came to our house at around 1 am to inform us that our neighbors had received their transfer. I was so worried after checking my phone and realized that I had not received my transfer like others in the village. I decided to go back to sleep until morning. I called my son to confirm if I had received the transfer and I was so happy when he informed me that I received it as well. I rejoiced with my family since I had eagerly awaited the transfer to improve my living standard.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Constructing a decent kitchen for myself is the biggest difference in my life. Previously, I was preparing food in a poor condition place. In addition, I was able to pay off the debt that I had been owing to the shopkeeper, and currently, I am a happy person and live a stress-free life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 20,000 to construct a decent kitchen for myself. This is because the one I had was grass-thatched and leaks during the rainy season. Hence, I bought 24 iron sheets, timber, building poles and paid KES 7000 labour changes. In addition, I used KES 12,000 to pay off my debts at the nearby shop where I was taking foodstuff on a loan. I was always worried that the owner might sue me when I fail to pay off his money. I also spent KES 12,000 to clear the fee arrears for the 6 children who are still in primary school. With the remaining amount, I bought ample foodstuffs for my family of 8 members.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means owning livestock. I am an old woman in a polygamous family with a family of six children who depends on me for their survival. Five of these children are currently in primary school. Raising their school fees has really been a challenge following the long periods of drought that has made it difficult for me to engage in subsistence farming like before. However, life has to move on. The only economic activity is to burn charcoal for Sale. Charcoal burning has been the only means for survival and now there are no more trees for charcoal burning. The only thing is to dig the tree trunks to burn. It takes long to get a sack of charcoal which goes at 350 KES. In a month I can only make a profit of 3500 KES which is not enough to meet the basic needs of my family. My ambition has been to keep goats that I will sell when they multiply and pay school fees for my children. Upon receiving the cash transfer, I will buy ten goats that will cost me 30000 KES. I will then use the remaining amount of money to pay school fees and meet other basic needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I received relief food from the government and aspiring politicians last week. My family alone received four kilograms of rice and four kilograms of beans. This food lasted us for three days. At least my children were very happy to get rice which they only eat once in a year during Christmas and new year celebration. This brought a lot of joy to me to see my children happy and enjoying the meal which helped me forget the stresses for a moment.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Persistent drought facing our village has been the biggest challenge that I am facing. Over the years, I have been depending on subsistence farming to put food on the table. However, this is not the case. This has made life more difficult for my family. I am now forced to engage in burning charcoal which is illegal, but because it is the only means for survival, I have no choice but to do it. This business earns me less than 3500 KES a month which is not sufficient to meet the basic needs of my family. Everything I get is solely used for buying food and water. Water has become scarce and one drum of twenty litres of water goes at 100 KES. Upon receiving this money, I will buy twelve goats which survive dry weather conditions and sell when they multiply as an investment for my children education.
