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 is doing a good job by giving out funds to people.but I feel like what they are not doing well is giving out the funds in small quantities. I prefer if they opted to give out funds in either one lumpsum or two installments so that one can constructively do something with the amount and you can evidently see the fruits of the funds.For example I could easily walk in a shop and buy a motorbike go back to work and everyday whenever I see the motorbike I would always remember GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a motorbike rider by profession but I practice farming in my free time.Recently my motorbike has mechanical issues which have affected my source of income.I basically rely on my friends who can lend me their motorbike and I am only able to make enough for a packet of 2kg maize flour which is KES 200.Because currently drought is here with us and we can barely survive with farm produce.I have 5 children and my struggle has been educating them and providing for them.Recently I got my transfer and paid KES 1500 as their schoolfees and KES 1500 bought food to last for a week before I get a way out of my situation.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt blessed and over joyed the moment I received the transfer. It was certain for me that my food budget will be taken care of, my debts will be paid and I will progress myself financially.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
This was my first transfer, since I got a phone, the amount I received was only ksh1200. Though it boosted my finances, I haven't noted any difference since I am still in debts. For instance, I have school fee arrears of ksh2000. But I believe with more transfers, there I will be notable difference in my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I work in the transport industry as a motorcyclist. Despite the challenges I go though at work, I always push myself and I get to earn around ksh30 daily. Unfortunately, the tyres of my motorcycle got worn out and I can no longer work. To purchase new ones has been a challenge for me. So, I opted to harvest coconut then sell them at the beach. This has enabled me to fend for my family. Even so, it has been a challenge to put food on the table for them. Therefore, when I received the ksh1200, I used it all to purchase a bundle of maize flour.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a motorcycle rider and the money I make is not sufficient enough to pay school fees for my children and buy other basic needs. Receiving this money will compliment boda earnings.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I bought a bike not on credit after losing job and that is what is currently helping me to support my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Curfew won't allow us work at night, since I lost my job my motorcycle business has been my only pure of income. The money I make is not enough to provide for my family needs. The challenges I currently face is lack of finances to provide for my family comfortably.
