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?
Unfortunately my village has been experiencing great drought and famine which has immensely affected our living conditions especially since most of us are subsistence farmers and rely on what we harvest to feed our families. That is why when I received the money the first thing I considered was nutrition for me and my family. I went ahead and bought two bags of maize flour where each bag contained a dozen packets which in total cost me KES 2,000. I was left with KES 1,000 which I took KES 500 and paid tuition fee for my child who was still in kindergarten so that I would avoid her being sent back home and used the balance to purchase kerosene that we used to light up the lamps when it became dark.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before the 3rd GiveDirectly transfer, I used to get minimal income by doing bodaboda business and wasn't enough to fully sustain my family. Later on GiveDirectly came along and issued me with the 3rd transfer of KES 3000 with which I used to startup a different business of buying and selling omena. This was an addition to the bodaboda business I used to do earlier which I still do to add on to the income.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Thanks to Give directly, I can attain my goals which are to own some livestock that will multiply and increase in value. This will support us financially when we have no income as we can sell them. Thank you for this opportunity
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
From the moment I enrolled in this Give directly program, I knew I had to start investing in buying livestock. With this money was able to buy a baby goat worth KES.3000 which I had to bargain using the drought as an excuse. This is the second goat I bought with the money from Give directly. My family can depend on me knowing that from henceforth they shall lack nothing as I will be able to sell the livestock to pay the school fees and put food on the table.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 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 work waiting for my next customer as I am a Boda Boda rider. I heard the chime notification from my phone and checked to see who had text messaged me. I saw that I had received the mo et and I was so excited.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
There is no big difference in my daily life for now as we all face problems every day. The difference now is that I will be able to plan and even save with this source of income.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The money that I got from GiveDirectly focused on buying a baby goat. This kid coated me KES.3500. aby goat so I took the money GiveDirectly sent and topped up with mine and bought it. As a bodaboda rider, the little I get from work can help to feed the family as I get to invest in livestock in the future.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a secured and a better life for my family and myself My mum returned to her home of birth after my dad died of a stray bullet six years ago. Being the firstborn am obligated to take care of the family. Will use the transfers to support my family. I have four siblings who rely on me for fees and basic needs. Since we are accommodated at my grandparent home the transfers will also allow us to buy our piece of land.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evenings are my best moments. My job, (bodaboda rider) is risky. I had once gotten an accident. The fear that runs in my heart throughout the day makes me long for the evening when can reunite with my mum and siblings.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My dad died of an astray bullet six years ago. I was in standard five by then. I supported my education up to standard eight by tapping palm wine. A neighbor saw my struggle and decided to acquire a motorbike for me on credit. With 600 KES as my average daily income am not able to save for myself since I pay the owner 400KES per day. The lack of a reliable source of income has been my greatest drawback.
