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, sending cash transfers directly to our phones that we are not required to pay back was what GiveDirectly did well. I don't see anything that it does not do well since every person is happy that they had the chance to be enrolled and are benefiting from the program.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The famine situation in our area has paralyzed a lot of activities since most of us are struggling in putting food on the table. The small income that I was earning, I usually spent it all to acquire food for the family. I had nothing left for development projects. After receiving my transfer, I spent KES 600 to purchase 3 chicken to start small-scale poultry farming. This is a reliable source of income for me. Furthermore, I had no food for the family so I spent a larger part of the remaining to acquire food. I bought different foodstuffs like maize flour, and beans and saved KES 500 for any financial emergency. I am planning to use KES 2500 of my next transfer to restart the goat rearing activity that I had been doing sometimes back. Previously, my goats died due to drought conditions.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment the moment the money came in I was at home and I only heard a beep on my phone but putting in mind I am barely literate enough to read I could hardly interpret the message and that is why I reached out to my brother- in - law who confirmed that I had received the money. All I was thinking was what a great it was to start my day. I was happy about it.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I feel more stable and secure financially because I too can now chip in and take care of myself. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity because I know I can start on the different projects I have always wanted by growing my farm through adding more livestock. I see progress even though it is still very slight but I am hopeful through proper planning all will be well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My husband passed away quite a long time ago and unfortunately we were never lucky to be blessed with kids of our own, so after my husband passed I had to fend for myself and at times relied n my brother-in-law for assistance. Considering my old age and the famine back in the village, making ends meet has been a tribulation and that is why after I received the money I went ahead and purchased a couple of items which included a half kilogram of sugar for KES 130 and four packets of maize flour for KES 480. Then I also decided to buy three chicks for KES 300 because I always wanted to invest in poultry farming since it was manageable and it could help me earn extra money on the side. I am still left with KES 2,090 which I plan on buying a goat with because I want to invest in more livestock which will help me finacially in the long run.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a widower with no children to depend on, the only child I had passed on many years ago. At my old age doing hard jobs is also not possible and this has left me with no choice but to depend on neighbors for assistance. My dream has always been to buy goats since they do well in dry areas. They will come in handy when they start to multiply because I will now be able to buy food and take care of myself without depending on anyone. I plan to be purchasing these livestock every month because they each cost 2000 KES as I use the remaining KES 1000 on food. Receiving this money will give me hope in life because I will start taking care of myself without worrying about tomorrow.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I just received money that the government gives to the elderly two weeks ago. This brought me joy and happiness because I can now buy whenever my heart feels like eating.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Depending on people for survival makes me feel like a nuisance to them. My age cannot allow me to work and this leaves me with no choice but to seek help from neighbors. Sometimes I decide not to ask for help and just go hungry because feel like a bother. My challenge is lack of money to take care of my everyday needs being that I am a widow with no source of income.
