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?
I appreciate GiveDirectly with everything it does. By enrolling us into the program without having any biasness is the best thing. I also commend them for giving as direct cash which has greatly helped us proper planning of how to sort out our needs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a widow with four children, a grandchild, and my parent to take care of. I currently do not have a job. I depend on manual jobs which pay very little for my survival. Since the passing on of my husband live has never been the same for me. The current situation with drought has made everything complicated for me and my family. I do operate a small kiosk business but that is not enough to meet the needs of my family. The situation with the drought has made life difficult and everything is very expensive at the moment. We live from hand to mouth. When I received the transfer I spent KSH 1500 to pay school fees for my three children and one grandchild. I want them to continue their education at any cost because through it they will have a good future. I also spent KSH 900 on buying food because my food stock was running out. In addition to that, I spent KSH 600 buying water. Due to the drought, situation water is very expensive and one jerrican retails at KSH 50.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the text message confirming that I had received cash at around 8 pm in the evening. I had been out all day trying to find a job and earn money that will help my family. When I got home that evening I got my phone from the charging shop and upon looking at it I got the message and indeed confirmed that I had received the cash. I was very happy. I was in a tight situation with no money and no job.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The money has made a bigger difference in my life. The situation I was in was not good at all for me. By receiving the money I was able to do things that I had wanted to do but lacked funds to be able to actualize them. I am now happy that my kids are back in school and at the same time we have food in the house. I am grateful for that.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I received a total of KSH 1200 from GiveDirectly. I spent KSH 600 paying school fees for my children. My children had been home due to school fee balances. I have been struggling financially and this is due to the lack of jobs and the bad economy we have now. It is very hard to get the money that I will use to sort out my needs. When I received the cash my priority was to make sure that my children go back to school and continue with their education. I also spent KSH 600 on buying food. The situation is getting worse and food is very essential for me and my family and I decided to buy food for my family too.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My eldest son supports his two siblings' education. Bearing the hard economic situation, his job as a housekeeper limits his capability to cover all the costs. He too owns a family of nine where he is the sole breadwinner. This responsibility is so overwhelming that my childrens' studies are affected. I wish to own this role as a parent but I am devoid of finances. Receiving this money from GiveDirectly will see me purchase goats. The goal is to attain a sustainable income to pay for their education.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My daughter became a first-time mother after a successful pregnancy three months back. I was so excited to learn that she had delivered bouncing twin boys. It was such a blessing because no one in our family has ever had twins.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband works in Mombasa but he doesn't support the family. I am the only person that my children look up to for their survival. My job of weeding peoples' farms is seasonal, hence I am penniless for the better part of the year. This restricts my capacity to provide essential needs such as food, medical, and clothing.
