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?
Mostly my wife and I relied on burning and selling charcoal to provide for our family but that has almost gone burst because there are barely any trees to cut down which put a strain on our finances. But fortunately GiveDirectly came to our aid and now we can manage to afford a meal and not be in fear of going hungry and also we can keep our children in school.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before receiving the funds from GiveDirectly, five of my children were literally on the verge of being sent back home due to the pending balance in tuition fee that I was yet to settle. So when I received the money I gave them KES 2,000 to be split among them equally so that they could go attend school without any hindrance or fear that they could get sent home. I was left remaining with KES 1,000 which I used in order to provide a meal for the family since even nutrition would become challenging at times. I bought seven packets of maize flour, beans, salt and cooking oil. I prioritised on food because I wanted the kids to at least have something to eat when they came back from school.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I am currently unemployed and most of my time is spent at the shamba or working casually just around the village.It was in the morning around 9am and I was working at the shamba when I had my phone beep ,there was a message which showed that I had received kshs 1200.I was happy and went back in the house to alert my son to prepare himself because I was now able to pay for his accommodation and part of his school fees. My son shared the same joy as he prepared to go back to school.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I am unemployed and most of the time I rely on farming. Currently with the drought farming is unproductive and I end up doing casual jobs to earn a living.Its been a struggle and receiving this money has really assisted me in terms of meeting my son's school fees and accommodation.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have a Form 2 student who share a place to live with other 2 boys next to school because its cheaper than paying for their boarding fees. Every month am expected to part with KES 500 as his share of rent.On this particular day when the transfer came he was at home because he had a fee balance and rent arrear. I used KES 500 for his rent and paid KES 500 as part of his schoolfees and bought a 2kg packet of maize flour with the remaining KES 150.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I will use this transfers to pay my childrens' school fees. I have six children who are under my care 4 are in primary and 2 are in secondary school. The income I get from casual work is not always enough. In a term they get sent home thrice due to lack of tuttion money. I want this norm to stop.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am always grateful every day I wake up alive and healthy. Despite not knowing where my next source of meal will come from, I remain hopeful I will earn something by the end of the day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I wake everyday not knowing where my next meal will come from, this uncertainty is not good. The casual jobs I get are not so reliable. I wish I had a stable source of income to enable me provide for my family consistently.
