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?
Since I just recently did my KCSE, I do not currently have any source of income hence meeting some of my personal needs has not been easy. When I received my third transfer, I decided to buy some descent clothes as I wait to join college soon. I opted to buy clothes because I have been using very old clothes, some of them are used clothes given to me by mother. I am glad that currently I look more presentable than before.
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?
GiveDirectly is giving us opportunities to do things we really wanted to but could not due to the financial capability for instance I got to get a check up at a much commendable hospital and hopeful soon enough my health we will be better so I am very grateful for that.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have been under the weather for quite sometime now and the hospitals I have visited have not been quite helpful so when I received the money I decided to go to town and visit a much bigger and well known hospital so that I could seek some form of treatment. The fare to and fro cost me KES 1,000 and then upon arriving I went for a scan and the doctors prescribed medication for me and I spent the rest of the money which was KES 2,000.
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?
The message came in the morning when I was still home at around nine I was honestly very excited because first and foremost I was not expecting it at all and also because when being registered I did not think that GiveDirectly would actually be genuine in delivering what they promised.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Personally I still stay in my parents home so with the funds I receive I feel like I have received some independence and at least I can be self reliant and not always look up to my folks for financial assistance every single time I am in fix.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving the transfers I decide to buy some clothes and some of them included a wrapper which is not only cultural but also traditional according to where I come from and it cost me KES 500. I chose to buy a wrapper because all the ones I had were torn and not decent enough to even move around in. Apart from that, I also bought six gallons of water for KES 200 because water is very scarce here and sometimes not even recommended for drinking. Lastly I saved the rest of my money for any emergency that would emerge.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My dream has always been to become a tailor. I will enroll in a tailoring course, learn as much as I can and later open a business of my own. I can now picture myself sitting with a machine making clothes for people.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am happy when I see the sunrise, I know it is a new day with new possibilities. Nothing much has happened in the past six months, but I am grateful for the life I have.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My health is my major concern. I have had stomach pain for the past two years. Doctors have been unable to give me a diagnosis, they have taken scans of the same but still, no diagnosis. I have to depend on painkillers to help with the pain. If only I could know what the issue is just to get a permanent solution. My nights are long because of the constant pain I have to endue.
