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?
I heavily rely on subsistence farming for my livelihood. When the drought intensified I had to stop maize farming and started herding cattle. Currently, I depend on Give Directly transfers to fulfill my family’s needs. When the money came in I spent KES 2700 to clear outstanding school fees for my two children. Also, earlier this year my children and I got sick and had to spend KES 1900 on treatment expenses. I used the rest of the money, around KES 1400, to procure enough food for the entire month.
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?
The unconditional money that Gove directly gives me hopes that I will be able to better myself. There also communicate so well by informing us when to receive the mo et and when they enroll us in the program. I do not see any problem that Give directly needs to fix.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
We have been experiencing a drought. We have not seen any rains since the start of the year and things are getting worse. Many of our livestock are dying of hunger and thirst. I decided to focus on buying food first for my family so that they can have healthy and enough food. I bought food and water worth KES.3000. This has helped a lot because since the day I have received this money I have not gone to bed hungry.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home relaxing when I got the message. I checked my balance just to see if it was real. I waited for my wife to check her M-pesa to if she got hers and when she did confirm we were very happy. I had been home stressed all day about how I would earn money for food. This is a blessing.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
For now, I don't have the frustration for food as now I know I have food. I have assurance for school fees to be paid on time as I know that I will get these monthly transfers without fail. I am now relieved from having to wonder where I will get money for basic needs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I got this money I thought to cater to the one main problem we face at home. That is hunger. I immediately went and bought foodstuff which would last us a month. I spent KES 1200 on dry foods such as maize meals. The other KES.1800 was deducted for me to get a phone. I teamed up with my wife who is also enrolled in the program and decided that the no ey she got would now be used to the basic household necessities. My relationship with my wife and children has grown closer and we are happier due to this program and I want to say my thanks and I am forever grateful for this opportunity.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I foresee living a better life as soon as I begin to receive the transfers. I work as a casual laborer here in the village that entails training cattle for cultivation. Most of the time people that I offer them service don't pay on time, apart from that, the oxen that I am using are not mine. I plan to purchase two oxen to work with so that whatever I collect in a day will be mine. This ensures my family won't lack food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The evening is the happiest part of my day. It's the time when I am waiting eagerly to receive a call from my customer to give me a job. As soon as I receive the call gives me hope knowing that my family won't miss the main meal of the next day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I depend on casual labor that used to pay me 1000 KES in a day due to the unexpected prolonged dry spell of this area I cannot afford even 100KES to purchase foodstuff for my family of 4. The farm that was my saving grace has now turned to be unproductive due to short rains. Most of the time we drink water as our supper, something that makes me unhappy and depressed. As a breadwinner getting a guaranteed job has been so hard to acquire.
