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?
When I separated from my husband a few years ago due to irreconcilable differences, my goal was to focus on educating my two children and giving them the best that I could afford. I opened a local grocery store where I have been selling roasted chicken alongside. Due to many responsibilities which came after taking my first born to high school, I have been struggling to sustain the business as 90% of the profit would go to school fees and basic needs. Ever since I started receiving the transfers, life has eased a bit for me as I committed to adding stock worth KES 1000 monthly which has lead to increased in income. For the last three months, I have been adding stock worth KES 1000 monthly and spending the balance to pay school fees. I'm nolonger straining with school fees as I used to before and my daughter has had easy time in school and she's able to concentrate and focus on her studies.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
attach_money
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly, giving us money is the very best experience to have especially during this COVID-19. I do appreciate and never take it for granted. On the other hand, there is nothing bad I have experienced with the organisation.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a mother of two boys and a small business lady. I sell vegetables, potatoes and tomatoes to earn a living. Receiving money from GiveDirectly made my life easier with less struggle to support my sons. I now have hope that God willing my family's life will never be the same again. So far I have received two transfers and the first transfer helped in paying KES. 500 to my son's school fees and KES. 500 in boosting my small business. I also spent KES. 200 on food, sugar and soap for my family.
With the second transfer, I spent KES. 2000 in paying for my son's school fees and KES. 1000 in boosting my business. Before covid life was good and I was selling vegetables to teach my kids, but during and after covid, life changed to something else. Thank you so much GiveDirectly, you have put a smile on my face.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the text message at 9 am. I was in my house resting on that day. I was feeling unwell, I had a toothache. Due to my condition, I decided to rest on that particular day. My children had come back from school during the lunch break when my son alerted me about the text message on my phone. I checked my phone and truly confirmed that I had received the transfer. I quickly went to the Mpesa shop withdrew the money and gave my son the 500 to go pay school fees.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Yes, the money has made a big difference in my life. I have been struggling for a long time now. Currently, my business is booming and for sure everything is going in the right direction for me. The stock I added into my business has made all the difference. I am grateful and happy that I received the transfer at the right time when I needed it the most.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Being a single mum with 2 kids who solely depend on you is very hectic. With the poor state of the economy, I have lately been struggling to make ends meet. I run a small business selling vegetables and to say the truth the profit I get is not enough to meet my daily needs. My kids depend on me for everything, their school fees, food, and clothing. When I received the transfer I was very happy and thanked God for sending the money on at the right time. I spent KSH 500 on paying school fees for my kids who are in school. In addition to that, I spent KSH 500 buying more vegetable stock for my business. I also spent the remaining amount on buying food for my family.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
This will mean that paying school fees for my boys will be easier. With what I get from selling groceries, I will add what I get from Give Directly and send my children to school. That's the only thing that dominates my thoughts right now.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have been struggling with severe back pain. When I decided to seek medical attention, the doctor I found at the county hospital helped me. The last three months have seen me go about my day-to-day operations without pain or any sort of difficulty.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Single motherhood requires me to pull all the weight. I separated from my husband without a fallback plan. I had persevered enough. For over 10 years now, I have been in various businesses like selling groceries and fish. Providing for my two boys has been and remains to be the biggest challenge.
