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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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Enrollment
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Completed
Newsfeed > Karembo's Profile
Karembo's family
Karembo
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
46
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
27500 KES ($190 USD)
access_time 7 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My biggest dream revolves around purchasing a piece of land where I can finally construct a place to call home. Since parting ways with my husband, the discomfort of residing at my parents' house has grown palpable. I've managed to put aside $150 from the second transfer, marking a step toward my aspiration. Presently, I work as a casual laborer, determined to strengthen my savings to $300. This financial milestone will propel me further toward realizing my long-held ambitions, offering me the chance to turn my dream plans into a tangible reality.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does an excellent job, in my opinion, by embracing everyone without discrimination. Nobody who deserved to be a part of the program was denied admission. The officials showed no bias while registering them. This made a big difference in our lives and taught me and others to appreciate one another. I can't think of anything wrong with GiveDirectly or its procedures. They have always held my hand, and for that, I shall be eternally thankful.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving the second cash transfer of $275 from GiveDirectly was a ray of hope in my life. With careful consideration, I decided to invest $90 in three goats. Goats seemed a wise choice, as they multiply quickly and have a reliable market for sale. Hopeful for a better future, I believed their numbers would grow, giving me a safety net for any future challenges. Another $30 went into purchasing essential food supplies, ensuring that my family wouldn't go hungry. The remaining $150, I safeguarded diligently. My dream of owning a piece of land to build a new home is inching closer to reality. Currently staying at my parents' place due to my separation from my husband, feelings of shame, and a loss of respect are my constant companions. It is not easy to have the life I once envisioned shattered, but the goats and the savings are like rays of sunshine through the clouds. They hold the promise of self-reliance, a renewed sense of purpose, and the chance to stand on my own feet once again.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($401 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at my farm planting peas when I realized that I had notifications on my phone. Upon checking, I could feel my joy. It was the long-awaited cash transfer that I had eagerly been waiting for. I remember calling all my family members and sharing the news. I immediately withdrew the money and bought food since we had not eaten for two days.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before receiving the transfers, my five children had been away from school for almost three weeks. This is because the teachers were tired of listening to my false promises of clearing the fees on time. It all happened because I relied on making charcoal and sometimes working on my neighbor's farms to generate an income. The money I got could hardly sustain all our basic needs, including food. Sometimes I was forced to borrow from friends, though it was a bit embarrassing. However, my children ended up being on the bad end more so for providing for their fees. Two had assured me that they would drop out and join me in hustling and supporting the other three, who were still in primary school. This broke my heart, and I felt that I had failed them as a parent. Therefore, having cleared the fees has brought so much joy into my life. Also, they will have ample time in school, which will boost their performances and, hence, a promising future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the transfers, my four children were at home due to the huge fee balances. I, therefore, had to prioritize this matter and spend almost $380. Seeing them at home loitering here and there stressed me the most because I was worried that they might end up in bad company. However, it all happened because I did not have a steady source of income that I could rely on. I am glad to see them back in class without any disruptions for the remaining months of the year. To add on that, I settled a debt of $70 with a friend, which gave me peace of mind. It reached a point where I used to hide whenever I saw her since I had not been able to acquire her money. This was the worst experience ever. The money I could get from the charcoal activities( $1) on a good day could hardly sustain our basic needs, let alone our debts. Finally, with the remaining amount, I had to buy sufficient food, which took us almost a month.
 
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have a family of seven members with five being children. I do charcoal burning for living and my husband works as a casual labor at Mombasa. He earns approximately $60 per month and I earn $45 per month. My first born is at Shangweni secondary school with a fees balance of $450 . He is in form three. He did not do end year exam last year due to lack of fees. Four of my children are schooling at Mrima wa Ndege primary school with a collective fees balance of $300 per year. I will use $750 to clear their school fees balances so that they can remain at school and improve their performances. I will also use $250 to buy food for the family. Food shortage has sometimes caused my children not to attend school due to hunger. We normally take one meal per day.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The family has been having food issues for quite long due to lack of reliable source of income. We take one meal per day. However, on 1st 2023, I slaughter three chickens for the family to celebrate after seeing a new year. The gift of life was a worthy celebration despite the food challenges we have had for the year.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of reliable income is the challenge I am currently facing. I do charcoal burning for sale and I earn approximately $45 per month. My husband does casual jobs at Mombasa earning $60 per month. This money caters to my children's education and it is even not enough. My children have been on and off of school due to lack of school fees. This has affected their performance.