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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($477 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have a new goal which is to start a business, specifically selling vegetables and spare parts. I have been a casual laborer for so many years and I feel it's high time to change since it's a seasonal job. I believe the business will empower me enough to fend for my family without struggling like before.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my honest opinion, GiveDirectly did everything fairly from all the stages to the day we received our transfers. Also, the fact that the money was sent directly into my Mpesa account stood out. I had all the freedom to plan on the cash according to my household needs. Therefore I have not seen any negative action they have done to our community.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on clearing arrears of KES 22000 for my five children who are in primary and secondary schools. They were always on and off which has been affecting their performance this used demoralized them and they had opted to drop out of school. As their father, I was so stressed up and felt like I had failed my role. To add to that, I settled a debt of KES 6500 to a friend in the community and for now, I have all the freedom and peace. Later o,n I bought new clothes and shoes for the kids to replace the old ones which had worn out. With the remaining amount of money, I bought food for the six family members which took us almost a month. I am so grateful to GiveDirectly for all that they have done in my life.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 4 am when I woke up to prepare my kids before they could go to school. I always used my mobile phone as an alarm and I was surprised to see a Mpesa message on my phone showing that I had received my transfer. We were so happy for receiving the transfer which would transform our lives for the better. I have not been in posses of such a huge amount of money in my life.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is that I am a happy parent after completing the payment of the school fees for my children. They were always sent home for fees after every two weeks something that bothered my mind. In addition, I was worried that they may not perform well in school due to the constant disturbance.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With 2 children in secondary school and the drought conditions that strike our area providing for the educational need for my kids was a great challenge for me. The casual labour I was doing could not earn me much to support my family. I had a huge fees balance for my kids, therefore, I used KES 25,000 to clear the fee arrears for the children. Currently, my kids are now learning without being sent home something that makes my life so easy. I also used KES 8,300 to purchase modern beddings for my family. This is because the one I had was uncomfortable. In addition, I bought 2 goats which will be a long-term investment for my kid's education. The remaining amount assisted me in purchasing worm clothes as well as food for the family.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means continued education for my children. I plan to spend KES 35,000 to clear school fees for my two children who are in their final year. I will also spend KES 20,000 to buy three beds and mattresses so that we have comfort after using the traditional beds for over ten years. The remaining transfer will use to buy four high brid goats so as to produce milk for domestic consumption and sell surplus for income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In June this year, I attend a parent meeting for my son who is in class three. At the meeting, his name was read out after emerging as the best pupil in the final examination. He had garnered five hundred and forty six out if seven hundred marks. This brought me joy and happiness because no one in my house hold had reached that achievement. Despite the challenge the family is going through, when I look at this boys performance, It gives me hope that one day there will be improvement on the living standard of my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The challenge that I am currently facing is food insecurity because of unreliable rain fall in the area. It is now three years since we received enough rain and got good harvest. Due to this, my income of KES 4000 per month from charcoal production is not sustainable for a family of nine members. All this money go to buying food and water. This has been a stumbling block to feed my family on a daily basis. Sometimes I borrow food from my neighbours which does not please me at all.
