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?
Getting the unconditional cash, GiveDirectly has always uplifted lives and I am very grateful as it has always improved the livelihood of my family and I.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the GiveDirectly funds of KES 3000, I have been able to save up in order to pay fees for my kid(s) amounting to KES 600. Moreover, I have been able to add to food supplements at KES 1400 as we have been having abit of shortage. The remaining KES 1000 I bought 4 chicken which atleast lay eggs and offer an additional of the food supplements needed.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was just relaxing at home when I received the transfer message. That day, my house had run of food and I didn't know what I was going to feed the kids. My son was also at home after he had been send home due to fees arrears and I couldn't figure everything out. I was overjoyed, over the moon, wow! It jus came at the right time.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My days used to be filled with worries and gloomy face. Nowadays, I put on a smile everyday, I don't have to be worried that my son can get home anytime and I have something to feed my kids.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Imagine having four kids and you don't have a job so you all depend on your husband who is a mason in the village and earn Ksh 200 on good days! Isn't that a difficulty life to live? That's the story of my life. Before my eldest son was enrolled in school, life didn't seem so difficult because the little amount that my husband earns from his daily hustles would afford us at least two or three meals per day. When we got more bills to pay when my son was enrolled in school, life became more challenging because we couldn't afford to buy him uniform, stationaries, pay his school fees and still provide basic need for his three siblings. My second born who has already attained school going age is yet to be enrolled because of financial constraints. When I was enrolled into the program, I saw a light at the end of the tunnel, I saw my kids life changing because I was finally going to enroll them to school. With the first transfer, I reduced the fees arrears by half where I paid Ksh 500 and used the balance worth Ksh 650 to buy food. I'm glad my son was able to sit for his end term exam and I don't take that support for granted. I'm looking forward to enrolled my second born in school when I receive my second transfer.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
The current drought has made life very difficult, getting food on the farms and water in the streams has become history to my family. These transfers will enable me to buy food and pay someone to help me fetch water without having to walk 2 hours to fetch water with a small baby on my back. Food and water are my first priory until my husband gets a stable job because currently, he depends on casual jobs that are rare to come by.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Bringing a bouncing baby girl to this world two months ago has brought me joy and happiness in my life for the past six months.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Fetching water daily with the baby on my back is very strenuous because I walk for two hours and aside from water, there is food too. My husbands make little from his daily job as a case laborer, and with the little money, he takes care of both his parents and our family which makes it hard for him.
