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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($424 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I and my brother are still schooling and providing for our educational needs is a heavy burden on my shoulders because I am jobless. The goal that I have this year is complete the payment of our education. Once I am done with the certificate, I will be able to secure a job to support our family's needs comfortably.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in helping the less fortunate people in our society with cash transfer aid. I am very grateful for the transfer that has helped me achieve my dreams of joining a college. I recommend the organisation continue supporting the less privileged people in society. I feel everything went well and there is no area of improvement in there processes.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After the death of my parents in 2020, I assumed the responsibility of raising my younger brother at a very tender age. I was forced to cut short my studies after form 4 to engage in casual labour to feed and pay for school fees for my younger sibling. After receiving my transfers from GiveDirectly, I used $100 to pay school fees for my brother who is in form 4. In addition, I desired to study for a certificate in social work and community health, so I used $220 to enrol myself on a college in the nearest town. With the remaining amount, I saved to support me and my brother on our daily upkeep in school needs and family basic needs like food.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($461 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I am 22 years of age and since we lost our parents, I took up the responsibility of raising my sibling who is in high school. I have been depending on my daily wages so that I can raise money for buying food and paying school fees for my brother. When I got my first transfer from GiveDirectly, I felt so happy and thanked God for the aid. I had gone out to collect firewood from a nearby forest and I couldn't wait to arrive home to share the good news with my brother. We were both excited as we knew that the money would help us do a lot for ourselves.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Life has not been that easy for me, running the affairs of that family at my age is very challenging but I have stood firm. With the little that I get, we become contented and hope for a better tomorrow. The two heifers which we have at the moment courtesy of GiveDirectly are a big difference in our daily lives. We couldn't afford to buy any time soon due to a lack of resources.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
First, I spent KES 10000 on paying school fees for my brother who is in high school. I cleared fees for the whole term so that he can have an easy time in school to study without being sent home to collect school fees.
I then spent KES 30000 on buying two heifers for rearing. We had only one cow and I saw that it would be wise to have some more so that when they mature we would have milk for sale. The income from the sale of milk would enable me to buy basic needs for the family and also pay school fees for my brother.
I then spent KES 5000 on foodstuffs like maize, sugar, rice, and cooking oil. The remaining amount of KES 10000, I saved so that I can spend on buying building materials for constructing a new house. In our culture, when parents are no more houses ought to be demolished and a new one is built and that's why I saved the amount.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My parents passed on six years ago and I was left to take care of my siblings. It has been difficult to provide for their basic needs single-handedly, such as school fees for my brother in the fourth year of secondary school since I rely on casual jobs. Receiving this money will mean that he will continue with his education as I plan on clearing school fees in arrears. I will also start up a cereals business for KES 40,000. I am happy because this will ensure my family has a sustainable source of income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Two months ago, my brother got KES 30,000 school fee bursary from the government. This brought me happiness because he was able to go to school on time and concentrate on his studies. This will help him improve his performance compared to previously when he used to spend the most time at home for lack of school fees. On the other hand, I can use the money I get to meet other families' basic needs.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Raising school fees for my siblings has been a challenge. I do casual jobs that earn me KES 200 a day, this sustains food purchases and school levies only. We sometimes rely on the government bursaries which come once in a while. As a result, I am left with a lot of arrears which could have been better with a reliable source of income.
