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 ($450 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
As a stay at home wife, I would love to have milking cows. I will be able to sell the milk to my neighbours and thus help my husband in providing for the basic need of the family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly came as a saviour to our village and I would love the other villages and communities to experience the same love that we received from you by giving unconditional transfers. The enrollment process was all good and fair to all.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I did not have a kitchen to prepare food for my family, thus when I received my second transfer I opted to build one for me which costed Ksh 15,000. I also bought some new kitchen utensils for Ksh 5,000 just to revamp it a bit. I went to the market and bought 1 goat for Ksh 3,500 which I was hopeful it would later give birth and I would have a huge flock of goats. I also managed to clear some fees arrears of Ksh 20,000 for my kids who are in both primary and secondary school. I also bought some new clothes and beddings for the whole family worth Ksh 10,000 since the ones we had were torn
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($473 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had just gotten back home from fetching water when I took my phone which was off and switched it on, immediately, a message popped and I couldn't tell it was the cash transfer message from GiveDirectly because I was not expecting money from anyone. I was so happy as I opened the message and I couldn't keep the good news to myself as I shared it with my husband and children.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
It feels good to see my children who for the longest time have never had a chance to sleep in their house spend their nights with the rest of the family. I don't know how long it would have taken me to achieve this but I know it would have taken long or never. I thank GiveDirectly for the support and for making it possible for our my family to sleep under one roof.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Being a housewife, I have been depending on my husband who works as a livestock keeper. Earning KES 9000 per month, we have never had a chance to live our best live because he has a responsibility of raising five children and paying school fees for four of them who are school going. We could not afford to buy bed and mattress for all our children and therefore, two of them have been for the longest time seeking somewhere to sleep from thier grandparents house. My dream was to have all my family sleep under one roof. I have recently achieved this dream when I received my first transfer as I spend KES 8500 of it to buy bed and mattress and I'm happy that now, all my children can sleep in the family house. I also spend KES 3000 to clear fees balance and I have been spending that balance to provide food and other necessities for my family.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Three of my children are in primary school. Getting school fees has not been easy since my husband has no sustainable source of income. This situation has stolen my peace of mind. He is currently taking care of Dairy cows, where he is being paid 300 KES per day. Being the breadwinner in our extended family, this money can only cater for food. I plan to clear the fee arrears of KES 10000 and start a small business with a capital of 40000 KES that can serve as an investment and as a source of raising school fees.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Since I joined Table banking for women, it has been very supportive. Whenever I am faced with a tiny financial challenge, I can borrow money and pay it back at a later date. This has been helpful compared to when I had nothing to do.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Being a mother of five children, I have always wanted the best for them. This cannot be with no beddings. Many times I have been forced to seek shelter for them when my husband is home. This condition breaks me by the fact that I have to displace my children. I wished for this to come to a stop and thanks to this program. very soon this will come to pass.
