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 am a traditional palm wine Brewer and this normally depends on the palm trees. Currently, with the droughts, they have dried out, and I'm left jobless. So, often you will find me at home. With no active source of income, getting food has been a struggle. When I got this transfer, I used the funds to purchase some food and water which has been quite a problem in the area due to the droughts. I also bought some palm tree leaves to renovate my house as the ones I have used in my house are rotten and I would love to replace them.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I like how GiveDirectly has helped me achieve my plans. At times I would go look for money for days on end so as to complete a certain activity and return home unsuccessful at the end of each day. It's much better now as GiveDirectly is helping me complete my plans. I may not have any improvements that the organisation can make as I do not know much about the organisation. So, I cannot speak exclusively.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used my first transfer to build a house and buy chicks. I had always thought of venturing into business, maybe owning livestock but that was de-prioritised by the fact that I did not have somewhere to sleep. I therefore, used the transfer to buy makuti for my roof and the rest on chicks that I'd rare for my consumption. Upon receiving the second transfer, I decided to venture into petrol vending so as to have a source of income. I am yet to finish building my house but I am confident I will in due time.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I clearly remember that day which was on a Thursday date 11th of this month when I got the money. I was busy working as a gravedigger at one funeral held at one of my neighbors. I did not have my phone with me but my son brought it to me as I had left it at home to charge. When I saw that I had received the money I was so happy. I am grateful as it hard lessened the stress of where I could raise the money to feed my family.
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 am now capable of saving up to start a business and also have the capital to slowly expand it. This money has enabled me to have the financial security that I did not think possible in my life. I am forever grateful for this opportunity.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since the day I was enrolled into this program, I knew that I would start buying livestock and poultry which after raising I can sell to earn an income to supplement when I do not have enough money. I may also have enough to make it a small business. I used the amount of KES.1000 to buy the five chickens to start me off. The rest of the money, KES.200 I bought food for my family. I am thankful to Give directly for starting this new journey to financial freedom.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have been in the business of brewing our local liquor. For the past two years, I have been trying to find ways of changing jobs.
Chicken business in the village is a sure way of making quite a lot of money. If I am enrolled in the Give Directly program, keeping aside 5,000KES of the first three transfers will aid purchase of a few chicken to start with.
That will mean a lot to my foly and I.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My mother has been living in a very old house. It is almost falling apart.
Over the years, my sibling who at least have jobs spoke about building a better house for her.
In the month of October, the construction begun and it still feels like a miracle.
Now that the house is almost complete, my heart is so full of joy, knowing that my mother will live much more comfortably. She deserves it.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My dad passed on in the year 2010. Soon after his burial was done, our lives changed. I had to drop out of school due to lack of fees as my old man was the sole breadwinner.
Without formal education, it's very difficult to find a decent job. All the casual jobs that I take up pay very poorly. As a young man, I feel like my life is wasting away. There are no opportunities for the uneducated out there, therefore, life has become very difficult.
