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?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in enrolling every person that qualified into the program. In addition, the unconditional nature of the transfer allows me to choose how to use my transfer. In my opinion, I can confidently say that there is nothing that it did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am planning KES 1000 to boost my poultry rearing by purchasing 3 chicken at KES 350 each. This is my future investment for myself, I will be able to sell them when they multiply to cater for any financial emergency that might arise in the future. I also saved KES 2000 which I intend to add to my next transfer to purchase one goat to start goat rearing. I had longed to own goats like others in the society but I lacked the financial capacity to acquire the. With the aid, I will be able to accomplish my desire that will install satisfaction in my life.
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?
I was in my daughter's house in town, I remember it was around 9 am. we had completed taking our breakfast sitting while chatting when I received a message on my phone. My daughter confirmed it and informed me that I had received the transfer. I felt extremely happy and I went to withdraw it the same day since I was disturbed as I lacked the fare to go back home.
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 can meet my essential needs, especially food without much struggle. I was able to acquire enough food with my transfer which has been sustaining me till now. I thank GiveDirectly for the transfer. In addition, I am optimistic that I will be able to boost my small-scale poultry farming something that will be earning me a steady income.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had traveled to Mombasa to nurse my daughter who was sick. The transfer was so helpful for me. I did not have any money to take me back home so I used KES 500 as fare. In addition, the remaining amount I bought sufficient food for my family. Furthermore, I am planning to spend my next transfer to boost the poultry rearing by purchasing 5 more chicken. Currently, I own 3 chicken, after improving my poultry farming, it will assure me of more returns since I am planning to sell the chicks once they reproduce. The income will help me to cater for any financial challenges in the future. With the remaining amount, I will save them and add to the next transfer to start goat rearing a long-term investment for my family.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have been fully depending on my children to get food since my age does not allow me to do many jobs. Receiving this money means that I can buy food with my own money without having to depend on my children. I will use the 1,200 KES of the first transfer to buy food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The months of November and December brought a lot of happiness in my life. This is because my children who work away in town were around over the holidays. I used to eat well; taking three meals a day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
It's been 10 years now since I started developing a problem with my ears and eyes. The situation has gotten worse that I can barely here. I can no longer communicate well and I have been spending money to seek medication from hospitals and even spiritual leaders but to no avail. This has affected me in many ways moreso financially and emotionally.
