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?
The same day I received money from GiveDirectly is the same day five of my kids had been kicked out of school due to a pending balance of KES 3,800 in tuition fee. Luckily the money arrived t the perfect time so the following day they were on their merry way back to school since I used the entire amount of the transfers I received which was KES 3,000 to settle most part of the debt. I was not done but at least that amount would help keep the school administration and teachers at bay while I looked for more money.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have 5 children in school who currently have school fee arrears of ksh5800. This is after I used all 3 transfers to pay for their fees arrears that were previously 14800. My work as a handyman at a construction site hasn't been fruitful since getting a job was a challenge. In a good week, I would get to be contracted three times earning ksh500 daily. When things got tough, I would turn to farm. Even so, it has not been easy providing for my family and the funds have really boosted me.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well in terms of helping the needy in society. With the cash, we can uplift our lives by allowing us to invest in projects that will help us earn money. The cash has also helped me in paying school fees for my children.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer in paying school fees for my kids. I have 5 kids who are in primary school. They all require payment of KSH 5000 I fees for all of them per term. I had earlier tried my best and managed to pay off KSH 2000 and I had a debt of KSH 3000 remaining. My priority was to clear the school fees debt before the December holidays. I am happy that I was able to do that. I want my children to get a good education and have a good future later in their life.
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 right thing so that my kids would continue with their education without any interruptions.
I was clearing my field on my farm when I got a notification from my phone. When I looked at it I found out that I had received cash. I was very happy. I shared the good news with my wife and she was happy too.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I see a big difference in my life. My kids are back in school. Before receiving the cash I needed cash and did not have clue where to get the money that will clear fee balances for my kids. So I am grateful for helping me out. I am sure my kids will be able to continue with their education very well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since the advent of Corona in the country, I was one of many people who lost their jobs. Since then life has been hard. I have been looking for jobs everywhere without any success. If I get a job today I can go several days without getting another job. I have been a stressed man since then. My family depends on me to provide them with everything they need. When I received the cash from GiveDirectly I decide to pay school fees for my kids. I felt that at that time that was the right thing so that my kids would continue with their education without any interruptions
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
This money will be of great help once I get a hold of it. I have six children, five of whom are in school. It does not please me every time they have to come back home because of school fees arrears. I will prioritize settling the balances and ensure they no longer have to go through school with such challenges.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Every day I come back home with food to feed my family is a source of happiness. My dad passed on a few years ago and left m with the responsibility of taking care of my mother. The days we have to go without food are depressing but as the sole breadwinner, I have to energize myself and look for income.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Covid-19 came as a blow to me. I was laid off from work and had to come back home to look for other sources of income. I worked with a construction company but the owner decided to close shop.
Living in urban areas is challenging when you do not have a source of income and a family that depends on you.
I joined my wife in the village and since then we have been living from hand to mouth. Once in a while, I get casual jobs but the income is never enough to help settle bills at home.
