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 started building another three-bedroom house since our current shelter is small and may not be spacious for the growing family. To accomplish this construction project, I bought building poles worth KES 2000. I also spent KES 500 to acquire ropes for tightening the poles and paid KES 1000 as labor charges for the task. Of the remaining amount, I purchased food and water worth KES 1500 and deducted KES 1000 to pay for my two children’s school fees.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
That month had been a tough one for me as I had a couple of medical emergencies. My 3 kids were not feeling well and I was so frustrated and low. I was elated when GiveDirectly sent me a 3rd transfer of KES 3000 with which I was able to use KES 2000 for the hospital bills for their treatment. The remaining KES 1000 I used to add to the food products at home with which also the kids enjoyed after their treatment.
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?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well in terms of helping the vulnerable and needy in society. I can tell you that the situation that we were in before we were enrolled in the program was a difficult one. I had lost hope in life. Now that I am receiving the cash it has greatly helped me and I am in the process of making my life better each day.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I bought clothes for my children. Going into the festive season I decided to buy new clothes for my children so that they could celebrate the Christmas holiday well. In addition to buying clothes, I also spent KSH 1000 on buying food for my family. The food stock in the house was almost getting finished. Since I did not want my kids to starve I decided to buy food that will last us for a few weeks ahead. I saved the remaining KSH 1000 so that I can use it to later build a good house for my family. The current house I am living in is too small and in a bad condition too.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 11 am and was calling someone on my phone when the text message arrived. I stop calling the person I wanted to call and I decided to check the message first. Upon checking I found out that I had received cash from giving directly. I was very happy. I forgot to call the person I was supposed to call. I prayed to God and thanked him for the blessing he had granted to me.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The money has made a big difference in my life. I am was able to repair my house and right now I am sleeping in a good house. I am no longer afraid that I will have to stay awake when it rains heavily during the night. I am also very happy that my thing is safe inside the house and nothing will be damaged due to rain water getting into my house. I am also grateful that my children are still in school and continuing with their education.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have been leaving in a house for the past five years whose conditions are very devastating. During rainy days, those are my longest nights. I usually do not sleep I stay awake until that point where the rain is going to stop. The roof is leaking and at the sides, there are big holes which let in the air making the house very cold during the night. When I received the cash I spent KSH 1500 in buying Makuti to improve the roof of the house. Currently, as we are talking about the roof is in condition and I am very happy about that. I also spent KSH 900 on buying food for my family. The food we were having in the house was running out so I decide to add more stock before everything finishes up. I also spent KSH 600 on paying school fees debt for my children so that they are not sent home. I also spent KSH 600 school fees for my children.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means owning a decent house and good education for my children. My house is in a very debilitated condition. Living in a house that is almost falling and leaks during the rainy seasons is very risky. Accidents and disease outbreaks are likely to occur.This leaves me very insecure to spend nights in this house together with my children. I am planning to build a new house using the money I will be receiving. A house that will be big to accommodate a family of 3 children and strong enough to withstand heavy rains and destructive winds. Once the house is complete for occupation, my focus will be on my children's education. Two of my children are already in pre primary. I will be using the transfers to pay for their tuition fees.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Reinstatement of my husband to his job was the happiest moment for me. My husband worked as a driver for a certain company in Mombasa. He lost the job due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Him being the breadwinner of the family, this was a setback for us. My husband was recalled back to his job 3 months ago. This gave me alot of joy because I knew life could a little bit loosen up.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The challenge I am currently facing is lack of money. I have failed to renovate my house which is almost falling due to lack of funds. I only depend on my husband to provide for the family. He works as a driver. His income is not sufficient to cater for all our needs and still renovate the house.
