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?
I love the fact that GiveDirectly is giving us cash without any restrictions on the spending. This gives us an opportunity to spend the money on the most pressing needs before attending to others.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 500 on buying two chickens for rearing so that in the future I can sell some and raise money for goats. I earn very little from my current job selling charcoal and I have not had the opportunity to save enough for the future. Moreover, chicken is an alternative source of protein I rarely consume and this will be a nice addition to my diet. Besides buying the chicken, I spent the remaining amount of KES 670 on buying food to add to the dwindling stock in the house. Buying the food ensures that my family will have plenty to eat for the next few days.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($10 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
On the day when I received the funds from GiveDirectly, I was just at home packing charcoal and getting ready to sell them. I gave my son the phone to read the text message and I was quite joyful when I heard of the good news. I was able to withdraw the funds the following day and put to good use.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The funds from GiveDirectly have enabled me to buy food supplements for my family and we can now not sleep hungry anymore. With the aid given and on the savings I make from future transfers, I know I can now be able to take my children to school, build a better house and buy livestock.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Finances have been a major hindrance especially when not having a great reliable income. I am married to one husband who does casual masonry jobs and together we have four children. I on my end sell charcoal and hence receiving the KES 1200 from GiveDirectly was a blessing since food was already finished in the house and we did not have anymore left. I bought food items at KES 800 and this ensured we do not lack. I also bought a hen at KES 400 with the hope that it will lay eggs and hatch to more chicks.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I feel like if we put our transfers together as a family, we will have enough money to start building a permanent house and also pay school fees for the three children simultaneously. My husband and daughter will also be beneficiaries God willing. KES 9,000 per month will help us make strides in developing our home and two years from now, hopefully, each one of us can now plan how to use their transfers. We need to put up a house, pay school fees, and buy some livestock to rear.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Four years ago, my family and I were always in and out of the hospital, getting medication for one thing or the other. If it was not malaria, it was respiratory infections you name it. We are currently enjoying great health and I am so grateful.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Four years ago, I was taken ill. The disease I suffered is not something known to me. I cannot repeat a single terminology the doctors used to describe it. Although I was treated and discharged, it left me with a long-term effect because I barely hear what people around me are saying. They have to speak a little louder. I do not know whether it is something that can be remedied but I hope to find out one day. It would be great to regain normalcy.
