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?
Nutrition has been one of my top most concentration everytime I receive transfers from GiveDirectly and this is due to starvation that our village and most people in this area have been experiencing for the longest time. This has been brought about with the fact that it barely ever rains and consequently we have been experiencing drought in our area. That is why my primary concern each time I receive the funds are concerning ensuring my family has a meal. So as soon as I received the funds I went ahead and bought three packets of maize flour for KES 450, water worth KES 90 because drinking water was scarce, a kilogram of beans for KES 100, fish worth KES 70, sugar and tea leaves worth KES 140 and lastly laundry detergent worth KES 150. After that I had a balance of KES 2,000 on me bit then a couple days later my grandson was chased from school due to pending fee balances and I offered KES 1,000 so that he would continue with his education. Soon after I fell ill and decided to use the KES 1,000 I was left remaining with to seek medical attention.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
At my age getting money every month is the best thing for me. This is because I require money to buy food and for medical emergencies.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 2,000 to buy one goat, KES 500 to buy food and KES 500 to buy clothes for my 2 months old great grandson. At my age, I am not physically strong to work and look for money. Food and a source of income is therefore my main priority when I get money. This is the reason I bought a goat so that when the herd increases, I can sell when I need money.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the text message confirming that I had received the cash at around 7 pm in the evening. My phone had been charging all day. When I took my phone from the charging shop I looked into it and found out that I had received the money. I was very happy to know that and I am still happy.
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. I am now elderly and I have always wanted to have livestock of my own. I want to rear them and once they multiply I will give my son some so that he can continue with the good work that I would have started. I am also grateful that the cash helped me buy food for my family and we are urgently still consuming the food we bought using the money.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I received KSH 1200 from GiveDirectly. I have previously owned poultry but due to the harsh climatic conditions we are currently facing in our area, they were not able to survive. When I received the cash I decided to spend KSH 1000 on buying a small goat. I am optimistic that with this goat it will be able to multiply and once that is done I will sell some buy a cow and also use some amount to buy food for my family. I also spent KSH 200 0n buying food for my family.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My old age doesn't permit me to engage in any income-generating activity. My survival depends on other family members especially my sons. I wouldn't want to become a burden to them and having a source of income will make my life better. This money will enable me to purchase goats and chickens for rearing. With this project, meeting my needs won't be a challenge as I will be selling them as they multiply.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My granddaughter bought me new clothes last month. It had been quite a while since I got new ones and I was afraid I would walk naked someday. I just couldn't hide my joy when I received this gift.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Ever since I was diagnosed with hypertension, my life has never been the same again. I suffer constant migraines and I am required to see a doctor every month. Since I do not have money, dealing with my health condition is a challenge.
