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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($479 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?
As per how I used the second transfer, there is one goal that I did not accomplish as expected. I aimed to construct a house but since I managed only to buy the materials, I am looking forward to accomplishing it once I get some money. Completing the house is the goal I have as of now.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly is an organization that empowers people. Initially, I was stranded on how I would get some money to retain my children in school to acquire education. Through this organization, I was able to pay a whole year's school fees for my children. This would not be possible if it were not for GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon withdrawing the money, the set plan was to pay school fees for my six children, get some goats, build a house and also save some for food. These agendas were more demanding than what I had, thus schools fees became a priority. I paid KES 33600.00 schools fees for my children. Settling the fees issue, was a guarantee that my children would learn comfortably throughout the year without being sent money for fees like how they were used to. I also bought three goats for KES 13500.00. Thereafter, seeing how the drought season was taking shape I opted to use only KES 12000.00 to buy interlocking blocks and save the rest for the family upkeep.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($488 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
While grazing my cows in the field, I received a message at around 9am. Upon confirming what the message was all about, my legs froze and I didn’t make even a single step due to the happiness that engulfed me. I had received KES 55000.00 from GiveDirectly. I was so grateful hence didn’t proceed in the grazing work I was doing after picturing the difficulties I left at home that morning. There was no water both for us and the cows as well as no food. I tied the cows in the field and left for home to sort the issues that required quick attention like water and food.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Settling the school fee issue is the biggest difference in my life that I can confidently talk of. I was stranded not knowing how to go about this issue and I feared one of my children who is in form four might be hugely affected negatively because he was nearing his National examination. As at now he is comfortably doing his studies as well as properly preparing for his final examination.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before getting the aid from GiveDirectly I had already bought a plot to start a business but there was still a balance of KES 6000.00 to be paid so that I get cleared with the seller. After withdrawing the money, I took the KES 6000.00 and finalized the plot payments. Thereafter, I paid KES 25000.00 school fees for my two secondary school children who had some school fee arrears which were forcing them to be sent home regularly. After settling the two demanding issues I saved the rest for the business which I am yet to start.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a reliable source of income for my family. I plan to achieve this by building rental houses in the shopping center. I own land in the town center., but due to the financial crisis that I am facing, I have not yet achieved my dream. With the arrival of GiveDirectly in our village, I am optimistic about materializing my ambition. My plan once I receive this transfer is to spend KES 90000 to construct a semi-permanent rental house that will act as a source of income for my household. I will be assured of getting KES 6000 per month. The remaining amount will cater for other household expenses like food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In May this year, I was able to apply for a loan of KES 20000 in Kenya women microfinance and application succeed for the first time in my first.This made me very happy because I used this money to pay school fees for my son in secondary school.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial instability is the current challenge that I am facing. This is because I gave birth early this month, I am unable to resume the working station because my child is still very young. I only depend on my spouse who is working as a truck driver and his salary is very minimal KES 15000 per month. This amount can not fully support all household expenses like food as well as paying school fees for the children. Consequently, we skip meals and sometimes borrow from relatives something that does not give me a peace of mind.
