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?
The means by which GiveDirectly sends us the unconditional transfer is top-notch. Receiving the funds directly into our mobile phones is the best way as we are in control of our phones, hence we can confirm we have received the transfer in a short time. Withdrawal of the funds is almost immediately as we have plenty of Mpesa outlets where we can get the money unlike in banks which are not locally available and presence of long queues.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spend KSH 1000 from my second transfer to pay for medicine and medical bills. A few weeks before receiving the transfer, my health condition worsened as I had frequent headaches and stomach pains. I am happy that I am now good and my health condition has improved. Besides paying medical bills, I spent another KSH 1000 to start a fish business. I previously worked in Mombasa town as a business woman selling a variety of food items such as coconuts, Mandazi and Chapatis. When the Corona pandemic started, I went back to matrimonial home to the lots of restriction and loss of business. Back home, I worked on the farm for pay, but the effects of the drought were severe and I could hardly get any job. I have stayed jobless since then. I started the business so that I could be financial depend. With the remaining KSH 1000, I spent it on buying food. Since I do not have a job, I have no means of income and buying was a challenge.
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 text message arrived on my phone at around 4 am. I was very fast asleep at that time. When I woke up at about 7 am. My helper, my granddaughter, checked my phone and confirmed that I had indeed received the transfer from GiveDirectly. I instantly became happy. I welcomed the good news, and the rest of my day was lively.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The most significant difference I can state is that I did fulfill my wish. I now have a business of my own, and I am a dependent woman. I am delighted with that, and I know this is the first step to making my life great.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have always wanted to be an independent woman for so long. I have dreamed of starting a business of my own but have failed due to a lack of funds. Upon receiving the transfer, I so it wise to start a business to depend on myself and stop bothering other people to send me money for my use. I spent KSH 1500 buying coconut fruits so that I could sell them to my customers. I also spent the other KSH 1500 in the planning of my grandchild’s burial. I did lose my grandchild a few weeks after receiving the transfer.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
They say, 'don't be complacent once your business is up and running. It usually pays to change what it is that you are doing now and then'. I have been selling coconuts in our village, a business that has stood out for over 10 years. It is what has enabled me to help my husband in offering financial support to our children. However, my ability to diversify and widen the market gap has been a real challenge. I intend to use the transfers, purchase more stock so that I can transport the coconuts to Mombasa town, where the demand is relatively huge.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Whenever I wake up, realize that my family is all healthy, I feel very happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband works as a driver of long-distance trailers. He has been doing the job for over 20 years. However, over the past five years, his income has not been stable. They have had a series of delayed payments, a situation that put all eyes of the family on my business. Life has turned upside down. The little earning from my business cannot put my children to school for the whole term. I feel his misfortunes in his job, have been the real challenge to me.
