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 by owning the whole of the selection and enrollment process. Had they involved the local government officials then probably most people would have been left out, and this would have resulted in complaints and dissatisfaction. We are great full and praying for them to support more people like they are supporting us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The thought of lying on a mat on the ground makes me not too long for nighttime. I am aged and the whole process is hectic including rising from the ground in the morning. The constant muscle aches are more disturbing and I had been advised to get a proper sleeping condition. I at times work on peoples' farms and the KES 200 I make from it can barely afford a whole day's meal. Therefore, purchasing a bed was not possible. With the second transfer, I paid a deposit of KES 2000 for a bed that is being worked on. The total cost is KES 3500 leaving me with a deficit of KES 1500 which I will clear with part of the third transfer and later budget for a mattress. The remaining KES 1000 I spent on some of the foodstuffs to push me for a while.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($10 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received my first transfer at around 8 am. I was in my kitchen preparing breakfast for my family when I received the transfer on my phone. My helper came to the house to inform me that my colleagues who we were enrolled at the same time had received the transfer. I was very excited when he confirmed my Mpesa balance and informed me that I had received the transfer. I prepared myself to go to withdraw the transfer since I had no food remaining in my house.
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 comfortably feed my family of 9 members without struggling. Previously, I had to toil a lot to make the end meet. This made most of the days my kids skipped meals once my charcoal could not be bought.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent all my recent transfer to purchase enough food for my family. This is because I depend on charcoal burning a job that does not earn me much. Most of the time we have been slept hungry because of lack of food. With my family size of 9 and the sole breadwinner after my husband died sometime back. I had the biggest challenge in feeding my family. With the transfer, I was able to acquire sufficient food for the family and my children are happy they have food to eat every day. I am planning to use half of the next transfer to purchase food for the family, also I will buy proper bedding for my 4 children who are sleeping on the floor.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
A second chance at livestock farming. It is terrible that I had to lose four of my cows to the previous drought. I remember watching them die when all they craved for was water but I could not share it with them because it was scarce and had to feed my family first.
They were vital for my farming activities.
Apart from farming, I burn charcoal but it is not as sustainable as farming. I will need to buy a bull and a cow just to help with my farming activities as I am hopeful that this year the rain will pour.
All I can do is remain hopeful as I save part of these transfers to assist in acquiring the cows. My first goal is to save up to 20000 KES. Once I attain this I will be one happy farmer.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Months I manage to buy four bundles of flour are the best for me. Most times I have to borrow from neighbors because I do not make a lot of money from the sale of charcoal. This December was great since I managed to buy four bundles and I was able t feed my family with less trouble. My two daughters also visited and I was glad that my children got to enjoy the holiday just as any other family did.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The current drought has affected our livelihoods, I am a farmer and a charcoal burner. I have not been able to earn as much as I would have desired. In a month I make 1000 KES from the sale of charcoal. We have to live on a tight budget because the 1000 KES has to cater for food, school fees, emergencies, and other needs. Shortage of food has become a norm. I have eight mouths to feed daily. In a day we consume a bag and a half of flour which costs me 180 KES, not forgetting we need stew and other household items.
In the morning we drink tea, and if there is sugar in it that is an awesome breakfast. In the evening it is Ugali and Silver cyprinid or beans for a twist. On days I have no money to buy a bag of flour I have to borrow from neighbors. I am sad I do not get to give my family a balanced diet but we have to survive.
