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?
When I received the transfers I honestly felt like God saw my struggle and came through for me when I needed help the most because at the time I was streesd oujt due to the fact that my kids could not attend school because I could not afford to pay for school fees. Lucky enough on their fourth day at home I received the funds from GiveDirectly and I paid KES 2,000 for the five of them and the next day they were happily back to class. I was left with KES 1,000 where I used KES 400 t buy a hen because I planned to rear a couple, then used whatever I was left with to six packets of maize flour since there was nothing in the house to consider a meal.
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 doing a great deal because through it I managed to start my small business and hopefully eventually I will get to grow it by adding more stock which will in turn bring more profit and I also appreciate the fact that through this funds my children can get to attend school and continue with their education.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before receiving the money my children had actually been home for close to four days because they had been chased from school since I had not settled their debts in school, so upon the receiving the cash I went ahead and paid KES 2,000 for five of my children and they went back and progressed with their studies. Then I decide to start my small business with the remainder of the money so I bought groceries like kales, cabbages and spinach and I also combined with sardines that I planned on selling so that I could make money and manage to sustain myself.
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?
The moment I received the message that the transfer had arrived I was actually on my way back from the stream from fetching water and I was so happy to say the least because I have five children to take care and that day I had no money so I was worried that my kids and I would have spent the day hungry and went to bed hungry as well.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The money helped immensely because going to bed hungry is almost norm for my family and I but most times I wish it was not because of my children so being able to afford a meal was tremendous help also settling what I was owed helped me go bed at night in peace. Soon enough I hope to pay fees for my children because they get sent home very frequently.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving the money, although I happened to have debts at school over tuition fee for my children at the moment nutrition was more of a necessity compared to the other issues I had, so I went ahead and bought maize flour worth KES 600 and they were six packets. Then due to the fact that I kept asking for different items from the store on loan so as to feed my family I had to settle my debts and so I paid KES 400 to the shop keeper and with the rest of the money I bought laundry detergent worth KES 100 which was what was remaining from the money.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Under normal circumstances, sleeping should be enjoyable. However, this is the most painful moment that I wish never comes. Spending torturous nights sleeping on the wooden base of the bed has harmed my body. This has been my case for the past three years because I cannot afford a new mattress. Every day I wake up very tired with unbearable body aches. I wish to restore my comfort by acquiring a mattress once I get the transfers.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Getting out of bed to prepare my children for school brings happiness to me. I commit myself to give them the best because I am the only person they look up to. I have to stay strong every morning for their sake.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My life changed four years ago after being diagnosed with stomach ulcers. I tried the best I could to treat the condition but all was in vain. Frequent hospital visits depleted all my financial resources without any success. I still get painful attacks that last for days. During such times I cannot work to provide for my children yet they depend solely on me. This sickness has brought suffering to everyone in my family.
