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?
GiveDirectly officers delivered excellent service and I applause them for that. The firm is also able to give out aid without discrimination. This aid had given me a hope for the future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the first transfer, I did not have clothes nor any food. The situation was so bad that I had no clothes to go to church with and had lacked food for 2 days. I therfore, used the transfer to buy food and clothes. As for the second transfer, I used KES 2500 to buy a goat and the remaining KES 500 went toward the transportation of the goat to my homestead.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The day I received the funds, I felt I was not alone and that I have someone who has my interest at heart. This is because I had nothing, not even a presentable outfit. I was able to get myself some secondhand clothes which have helped in boosting my confidence.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before I started receiving the funds, I was at my lowest. Things were not working out for me as expected, from a 50% decrease in my earnings to not being able to support my family. Now that I have started receiving the funds, my hope has been restored. I can walk in confidence and other than the assurance that I will clear my debts, I now have even a plan of building a new decent home for my family and move them from the thatch house.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a casual worker at a construction site. When coronavirus struck, my work was negative impacted and it was hard getting work. Before, I would earn a weekly pay of ksh4800. But for two years now, my weekly pay has been reduced to around ksh1000. Life has been too challenging to even afford a meal for my family. My 5children who are in school, have a school fee arrears of ksh9000 that I am unable to settle. The worst of it all is, I had nothing decent to wear in my wardrobe. So, I couldn't go out and look for an employment or even go to church looking presentable. Therefore, when I received the funds, I bought 2pair of trousers at ksh200 each, 2 shirts at ksh300 and the remaining ksh500 went to my food budget.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I don't have a house and I have been staying with my brother who has a two rooms house. My biggest worry has been him getting married soon because I won't have somewhere to spend my nights at. Probably I will be forced to move in to my grandmothers house which is not specious enough to accommodate both of us. My biggest desire has been building my own house but financial instability has been a challenge because as a casual worker, I have not been able to save enough due to meagre wages that I earn. I am planning to commit the first two years to saving towards building a better house and thereafter I will be able to marry and build a family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Despite going though so much struggle this year, we have come out strong as a family. Drought hit us hard, our cows died, we have slept hungry several day and despite all this, we have not given up.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am a good Mason but lack of certification has denied me some good jobs. I finished collage a couple of years ago and I have not been able to get my certificate because of fees arrears. I'm also planning to save part of the transfers towards clearing the arrears so that I can be granted my certificate.
