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?
This is a very great initiative as GiveDirectly has stepped up in ensuring that livelihoods are well improved and well set up for greater heights.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Having financial problems and lack of funds I had to borrow KES 2500 from a close friend to sort out the situation. On receiving the GiveDirectly funds of KES 3000, I repaid back the loan and the extra KES 500, I purchased food supplements for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It must have been on 9th of last month, I'm not sure. I was relaxing next to my motorcycle when I heard my phone ringing. Itwas a great feeling. I was so happy when I read that message. Getting free money is not something usual. I actually hope you continue to send the transfers.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is that I now have a feeling of financial settlement. You know these transfers will be like salary. I therefore feel like my income has been increased. I no longer have worries about where I'll get money to buy food at the end of the month.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used my first transfer of kshs 1,150 to buy 1 bale of maize flour worth kshs 1,100 and vegetables worth kshs 50. I'm the sole bread winner of my family with no stable source of income. I'm a motorcycle rider and nowadays business is so low. I'm grateful that my family had maize flour for two consecutive weeks. Thank you so much.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I used to take a motorcycle for hire and pay the owner 400KES per day. I saw this as a good business opportunity and decided to take a motorcycle on loan. For me to get full ownership I am required to pay 2550KES weekly for one year. These transfers will therefore help pay the loan and also buy food with the remaining amount for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Before I got my motorcycle, someone gave me his motorcycle to use without paying. I was happy because it eased the burden I had for a few months before he took it back.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My siblings left me with the burden of taking care of my elderly parents, as the breadwinner with no consistent income it is stressful. I am responsible for my parents, younger siblings in school, and my wife together with my child, and the burden is too much on me. The challenge that I currently face is insufficient money to provide for them.
