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?
For the longest time, I have been having plans to improve my house. It used to have two rooms, where my 8 children would sleep in one room while my husband and I slept in the other. I then petitioned my children's room and made it to be a sitting room instead. But at night they would still sleep there. I want to add another room where they will be sleeping in. To raise the funds, I have been making some monthly contributions in the merry-go-round. So, when I got my transfer, I saved 2000. I was also making down payments towards purchasing a goat to complete the payment, I used KES 500 and the other KES 500 I utilized to reduce my children's school fees arrears to KES 600
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly is empowering and changing lives with the unconditional cash transfers as it uplifts lives and never discriminates anyone despite race or tribe.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Being a parent and always wanting the best for my kid, and on receiving the 3rd transfer of KES 3000, I spent KES 2000 paying for his Secondary School fees ensuring he doesn't get sent home. The remaining KES 1000, I split it into purchasing 2 chicken at KES 400 to enhance my poultry farming. The rest KES 600, I spent on adding to the food supplements in the house.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had been walking home after fetching water from the neighboring village. I felt my phone vibrate but I could not reach it as I was carrying water. When I got home, I took my phone out and checked to see who had sent me a message and was very happy that I had received the money from Give directly.
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 see my future being bright. I did not have any goals and expectations in life but now I hope to one day start a business and be financially independent.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My children have not had the best year as they have been coming home from school due to unpaid school fees balance. This has affected their concentration in school. I took KES.1000 to pay for my five children. I then took the rest, KES.200 to buy food so that they can have something before going to school so that they can have the energy to face the day.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have wished for a seamless stay in school for my son. He joined secondary level last time, an opportunity that I never got during my time due to financial constrain. My son is a day-scholar and so, his annual fee is subsidized. I plan to pay 2000 KES every month to cater for his annual school fees. The remaining 1000 KES will help him pay rent in the house he lives in.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am always happy whenever I make it to see the day. I know many people do not make it.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My house is mud-walled, two bed-roomed. Though it looks good from the outside, the inside is where the problem is. I do not have beddings. My children sleep on the floor, something which brings them pneumonia and other common communicable diseases. I conceived all my children without a bed. It is really painful that I cannot afford a bed, up to this time, neither the beddings.
