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.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I previously had a business but failed because of some unavoidable external factors. Since then I have been hunting for a job but to no success. I ventured into farming, but the persistent drought conditions in our area have proved to be a challenge. The challenges I face every day are very many, including not being able to feed my family, take my children to school, stress and many others. When I enrolled in the program, I was thrilled because I knew right away the funds were going to be of great help for me. I spent my recent transfer of KSH 3000 in starting a small fish selling business. Because of the many challenges I have been going through, I saw the business as a way through in helping me become financially stable and turn around my life.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion GiveDirectly does well in terms of giving us unconditional cash to help us. By giving the cash I have no stress of repaying it back and this then gives me humble time to think of the best way to utilize it so that I can change my life for the better.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have a motorcycle that I received from a person that I owed. When I received the motorcycle it was not in its best condition. I envisioned that once the motorcycle has undergone full service it was going to help me start a new business. I would transport people using the motorcycle and earn a living from that. I am also planning to carry my business goods from the market to my shop using the motorcycle. This will reduce the hustle of paying large transport fees to transport the goods to my shop. When I received the transfer spent KSH 2200 in servicing the motorcycle. In addition to that I spent KSH 800 in buying food for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the message during the lunch hours. I was resting under a tree trying to protect myself from the scorching sun. As I was resting I had the notification. When I checked it out I found that I had received the money. I was very happy because I knew the money was going to help. I immediately woke up and went to my house and told my wife about the good news.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The money has a big difference in that I was able to buy food for my family. The life situation at present is not that smooth. There are no jobs at all and no money at all. With the help of the money, I now have food that will be able to feed my family and I am happy about that.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
buying maize. This was my priority because I did not have food in my house. By buying the maize it would take me a couple of weeks before it finished up. I depend heavily on my farm to get food for my family. Due to the situation with the drought, it is very hard to grow anything on the farm anymore. With the maize I know I will be consuming little by little before I finish up. I did not want to leave my family exposed to hunger.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Since my house lacks strong pillars would wish to use my first transfers to renovate it. The rest of my transfers shall be directed toward reopening and running my closed kiosk business.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I love the morning hours since it's the only time I do take tea. I always have a weird feeling of dizziness, fatigue, and mild headache whenever I miss tea.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
It all started after she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. The sales obtained from my kiosk business were directed to her medication. I soon found it closed after lacking stock. Selling my livestock plus two acres of land still could not help. My wife succumbed a year ago. Have not been able to financial comeback. Currently, I rely on farming for my livelihood. Am aged sixty-eight years with three children in lower primary school. Life is indeed terrible.
