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
53150 KES ($441 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My ambition is for me to be able to expand my business from which I would be able to attract more income. I plan to realise this goal by saving money from my daily income. I am happy and relieved that GiveDirectly gave us financial freedom by giving us the opportunity to uplift our lives.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, the unconditional transfer from GiveDirectly gave us an opportunity for us to uplift our living standards. This is because everyone was free to use the funds according to their needs without any restrictions. I have not witnessed any irregularities in how the organization does its work.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
School fees has been a headache that I have been struggling with for some time. This is because I have children who are in high school which is expensive, we depended on our business to earn an income but unfortunately this is not enough to cater for all of that . I am a businesswoman specialising in selling shoes, I am married and blessed with five children. When I was promised the unconditional transfer I opted to use KES 20,000 on paying school fees. Secondly, I used the remaining amount on foodstuffs and clothes. I was unable to achieve all this due to financial constraints thus I am forever indebted to GiveDirectly for the great milestone that I have achieved so far.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($466 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 3 Pm, I was just relaxing at home when I heard a message notification from my phone. When I checked it out I could not believe my eyes it was a message confirming that I have received a sum of KES 55,000 from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy because I have never received such an amount of money. I knew I would be able to purchase a dairy cow. My family members were so happy and even the entire village household received the transfer. I withdraw the money the following day and started planning on how to spend it well.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have purchased a dairy cow. This was my priority since I used to buy milk daily and it was so costly for me. I depend on casual jobs in the village to earn an income. The amount of money that I would get through this was so small. I could use the money to pay school fees for my children and meet the daily basic needs of the family. I do small-scale farming where I plant maize and beans. The harvest has been so poor due to no rains in our area. I had always wished to buy a dairy cow but since there was no money I had no option but to continue buying milk. When I received the transfer from GiveDirectly I felt so happy. Currently, I have a dairy cow. I get enough milk for the family, and I have cut the daily cost of buying milk which was so costly for me. I am so grateful for the support because were it not GiveDirectly all this could have taken quite some time. I have devoted much of my time to this dairy-keeping project. I wish to improve it and make it my source of income shortly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 30,000 on purchasing a dairy cow. This is because I used to buy milk daily and this was so costly for me. Currently, I no longer buy milk like before. We have enough milk for the family and I have saved the money that I could have used to buy milk for other household items. I spent KES 10,000 on paying the school fees for my children in various secondary schools. They are studying well without being sent home to collect the school fees like before. The remaining amount of money I spent on food and household items.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
We have been spending KES 60 daily on purchasing milk for our household/ domestic use. This is relatively expensive for us. So, once I receive this money, I will acquire a dairy cow worth about KES 30, 000. We feel lucky and happy to receive this grant. Thank you GiveDirectly and God for this aid.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Some few months ago (six months to be exact), my second-born child did her KCPE (Kenya Certificate of Primary Education) exams and excelled. This has been a source of happiness in my family since it suggests a brighter future for her and us all. I am hopeful that she will secure a well-paying job.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Two of my five children are at a day secondary school that demands KES 15,000 annually for each child. Raising this amount is a tough task for us because we primarily depend on my husband's income of about KES 200 daily. In that regard, I am worried that a time might come when we shall not be able to raise the school fees.
