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?
The approach of enrolling everyone in the village was great. This was achieved because the GiveDirectly staff took charge of the whole process without letting the local government officials influence any of the processes. Everyone is satisfied, and we have not heard of any complaints or dissatisfaction from our society.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Two of my primary school-going children did not have school attire. Instead, they went to school in civilian clothes. They were ashamed of this and most pupils would make fun of them but did not have a choice because I could not afford new ones. I used to hawk fast foods but rice in food commodities, I stopped because I was not making profits. Currently, I plait people's hair something I have not trained for but an inborn talent. I do it occasionally to the few people who are aware of my talent because I do not own a saloon hence I do not make much from it. I have saved KES 1000 in a rotational monthly saving and loaning group that we recently formed the five of us from one family who are also benefiting from the transfers. Our target is to purchase a goat whenever one earns their shares. I have three children in secondary school and two in primary school. By the time the two get to secondary school then the goats will have reproduced and matured enough to sell for their school fees. The remaining KES 1000 I have kept for use in case of an emergency.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($10 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
On the side, I try to add to the income made in the house by plaiting hair for different clients and as I was going about the business, I heard a buzz on my phone. I gave the phone to my inlaw so as he can read the message to me. On hearing it was an MPESA message received from GiveDirectly, I was quite happy and would not contain my joy. I told my husband of the news and we shared in the joy. I was able to withdraw the amount after three days.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The major impact that the transfer brought to my life and that of my family is that we can not sleep hungry anymore and have adequate food supplements to last us a couple of days. On future transfers, I plan to save up for future use.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Getting by the days has been a major challenge as jobs have been hard to come by and also finances have been scarce. I am married to one husband who does occassional wiring jobs and together we have seven children. On better days, I sell food to customers though not on a daily basis. Receiving the KES 1200 brought a major difference to our lives and really helped as I had a fuliza loan of KES 400 which I was now able to pay up. The remaining KES 800, I bought food for our home since we had none left. I was even planning on going to the neighbours houses to atleast borrow some for the night but GiveDirectly came through for us in a great way.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have a small business of selling fast food that I would like to expand. I have always wished to have a specific place where I can build a structure close to the shopping center. Receiving this money will help me realize this long time dream. I will save the first transfer of 1,200 KES then combine it with the first transfer so that I can buy iron sheets. Expanding of my business will automatically lead to increased income. My clients are mainly students and teachers but expanding it will include more villagers and passers by.
What is the happiest part of your day?
For the better part of last year, we struggled as a family to pay loans from financial institutions. My spouses salary was being deducted from a loan defaulter which he had guaranteed while I also had a loan which I had taken to buy iron sheets for my house. My joy came in September when my spouse was done with the debt and things became better. That was my best month last year since my burden was eased by far.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial struggles have really weighed me down. The support from my spouse for some needs has been hard because we have two children in secondary school. He now concentrates more in paying their school fees leaving me with a lot of responsibility at home. This is mainly buying food and paying school fees for the other three children in primary school. It has been very tough considering that I have a small business of selling fast foods earning me between 150-200 KES per day.
