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?
I spent KSH 1000 from the transfer to start a business. I bought coconut leaves famously known as ‘Kanza’ used to make Makuti. The Makuti are mainly used to make roofs for most houses in the coast region. I started the business because I have no other job as I depended heavily on farming, which is currently not profitable because of the drought. Besides starting the business, I spent an additional KSH 1000 to buy food for my family. I then decide to save the remaining KSH 1000 so that I can later pay school fees for my children who will move to new classes in May.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well in terms of giving us unconditional cash. This has helped us a lot. We can plan accordingly and attend to our most pressing needs. It has also in a way helped us to be able to plan for our future by investing in a useful project so that we can come out of poverty and live a good life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have several children who are currently in school and depend fully on me to pay their school fees. Upon receiving the transfer I spent KSH 1500 in paying school fee balances for my four children. I did this so that would not be sent home for school fees. I am happy that they are still in school and continuing with their education. I also spent KSH 1200 to buy chairs. I have for the longest time had no chairs. When a large number of guests do visit me some of them will miss some seats. I had to go borrow some extra chairs from my neighbors for them come to come and seat on. I also spent the remaining amount of KSH 300 in buying food for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was just doing my chores in the morning when my son came running that I had gotten a message. When we checked and were very happy to see that it was the money we had been promised. I am very grateful for this program.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is that I am grateful I now get the chance to have a stable income for my family. Through these transfers, I can meet my family's basic needs and also plan for our future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The moment I got this money I ensures that I paid school fees for my children. It was near exam time and I did not want them to be sent home. This coated me KES.1000 and the little that remained that is KES.200 I spent it on food for my children. I am a small business owner and the little I sell I can add
to what my partner brings to the table. I am thankful for this opportunity.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
In my village, there is a merry-go-round and a Savings scheme for women. It is a program I have for so long admired to join but due to financial problems, I could not. Members save their money and as well loan non-members at a small interest. The profits are shared at the end of the year coupled with a social ceremony to celebrate the little gains. With the monthly transfers, I am planning to join the program like my friends.
What is the happiest part of your day?
There is nothing to smile about with the current state of my health. The day I will heal, to the extent that I go back to my work, I will be very happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have had a health problem that my neighbors linked to evil powers, following my failed visits to hospitals. The problem has reduced me to a housewife, something I have always fought hard not to happen. I am a widow, I now depend on my children to shoulder all my basic needs, which are not fully met.
