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?
In my opinion GiveDirectly is doing very well by giving us this cash transfer for five years.I am certain that many people will change their lifestyle in terms of having basic needs like food and clothing.What I think they are not doing well is the limit of the cash to only 3000 per month .It would have been better to increase the amount to maybe KES 10,000 and shorten the period of time,so that people with small projects can easily start of without too much strain.For example if given KES 10,000 in the next 5 months I would easily buy back one of my cows rather than wait for another 16 months of saving my monthly transfer to afford it.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am currently unemployed due to my present health status.I have diabetes and high blood pressure which limits me on most of the casual jobs available in my area.I have a big family that depends on me ,Currently I have 5 children in school and 3 more who are yet to join school in the next 2months. My first transfer came when I was expected to pay school fees arrears of KES 6000 for one of my children I took all the KES 3000 together with the little I had and managed to clear the fee balance.My second transfer came when I had sold two of my cows for KES 55000 each.It has been my dream to employ myself and have daily income in order to provide for my family.Currently have completed the structure next to my house and have opened a grocery store.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The message came at around nine in the morning and I was elated because this was the push I needed in order to start my own business since my other business is not prospering due to the severe heat and lack of rainfall.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
So far I would say they has not been much difference in my life since this was my first transfer but I do believe that overtime this funds will bring great change and growth especially after I start my business.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My business most times included buying and selling livestock in different towns but due to the drought this business has been affected severely because most of the animals are dying because of lack of food and most people are not even buying because they have nothing to feed the animals so this has affected my pockets. That is the reason why I decided to venture into another business and decided to build my own store from the ground up so I bought four bags of cement which cost KES 2,600 and was left with KES 400 which was not enough to finish the plastering and even pay the labourer and so I sold three of my cows to foot the rest of the bills including buying bricks.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will enable me to have a stable income that will inturn help me to support my family being a polygamous man. I used to sell livestock and sell them later at a profit but due to health issues I don't do the business as before. This money will be a boost to my business.
What is the happiest part of your day?
What brought happiness and joy my life in the past six months is my business of selling livestock because it has helped me to support my family with ease.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Due to health issue I nolonger do the business as I used to do before I became ill. The challenges I currently face has been my health because I am not able to do my business.
