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?
GiveDirectly is doing well by giving us the support program in terms of funds. The money aspect plays a big role in raising the living standard of an area. At the moment I see nothing that is of the contrary.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I was born and raised from a humble background and have struggled to complete my high school education because of financial constraints. I started working as a charcoal burner in order to support myself. Immediately I finished my high school and moved out from home. I spent KES 2500 to buy a goat and KES 500 to buy food that would last me for two weeks.
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 bed stressed and thinking of what to do on that day. My friend who used to give me his motorcycle had said that it would be impossible for me to work that day. I did not have a single coin in my pocket and my siblings depended on me to provide for them. I suddenly received a message and on checking the contents, I could not hold back my joy because GiveDirectly had finally sent the transfer. I was instantly relieved from the stress and I felt happy that I could now buy food for my siblings.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I am planning to venture into poultry which does well and is marketable in our region. Having a good source of income to depend on has been my goal in our poverty-stricken region. Through the transfer, I was able to buy three chickens to start with. I am planning to do the same with the subsequent monthly transfers. I dropped out of high school in 2019 due to financial constraints and I have been surviving on casual jobs with meagre pay since then. My next goal is to enrol at a technical college to undertake a course in driving. I hope by starting the project, it will fund my course early next year. Doing the course will also help me to secure employment and be self-reliant.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I received my first transfer at a time I was going through financial hardships. I could afford to buy food for my family three days a week, the rest we had to stay without food. I usually borrow a motorcycle from a friend to provide taxi services so as to provide for my family. On other days, the owner would decide otherwise which forced me to look for casual jobs. I could sell charcoal for Ksh 500 once a week. Still this was not enough to sustain us. I am grateful to GiveDirectly because this transfer has helped me to buy enough food such as maize flour that served us for some weeks without skipping meals. In addition to this, I also decided to invest KES 600 into poultry farming. I bought three chickens and I am hoping I will be able to add more birds. I am planning to venture into a poultry project and use the returns to enrol in a driving course. At least I will be able to seek employment once I am a qualified driver.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I dropped out of school last year. My parents could no longer pay the tuition fees. I was a form three at Mnazi Mumwenga secondary school. I was demoralized, due to poverty my education dream was cut short. Without any kind of a meaningful educational background, the chances of having a successful life are very minimal considering how competitive the employment world is. I am planning to use this money to enroll in a driving course in Mariakani. It will cost 15,000 KES. With a driving license, it is my belief to successfully be employed. This money means a breakthrough in life for me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The presence of GiveDirectly in my homestead was a sigh of relief. I was very happy. For once, I am hopeful that I will have a victorious life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Poverty made me drop out of school in 2021. My parents being jobless, were unable to support me. Since then, I have been working as a charcoal burner with the hope of making enough money and rejoin school. My efforts have been futile because the money I make is so little. I approximately make 1000 KES a month where I use it in food contribution in our household.
