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.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming years, my main focus is to purchase a generator to support my farming activities by pumping water to my farm. Farming is where I see my future, and having a reliable source of water will help me grow crops throughout the year, regardless of the season. Furthermore, I plan to complete the construction of my house, as living comfortably is a top priority for my family and me. The house I’m building will provide a safer and more stable environment, something I’ve been striving for since the floods damaged our old home. Once I achieve these goals, I believe I’ll be in a better position to support my children and secure our future. These plans give me hope, and I’m determined to work hard to make them a reality.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did a great job when they arrived in our village. They made sure to enroll everyone, and their follow-up process was excellent, ensuring that we all received the money as promised. The team was thorough and professional in every step, making sure we understood everything clearly. I really appreciate how organized and fair the process was, with no one being left out. Honestly, I haven't noticed anything negative; everything went smoothly. Overall, I can only say good things about their work, and I am very thankful for the support they've given us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Life was challenging after the floods destroyed our homes, forcing us to relocate temporarily. The grass-thatched house I lived in became even more difficult to manage, leaking every time it rained and worsening due to the damage from the floods. I decided to use $350 of the cash transfer to purchase building materials for a new house. Although I haven’t completed the construction yet, it’s a relief knowing that I’m working toward a better, safer home for my family. Having a more secure place to live has been a priority, especially after the hardship we went through. This decision felt like the best step toward rebuilding our lives.With the remaining money, I paid my child's school fees. Thankfully, my child received a sponsorship, which has eased the financial burden of education. As a mother of three, and with no husband to assist, I’ve relied on the support of my parents, but it hasn't been easy. However, having this help has allowed me to focus on other pressing needs, like improving our living conditions, without the constant worry of paying for school fees. Looking back, life after the floods seemed bleak, but the assistance from GiveDirectly has given me hope. We are slowly seeing improvement in our lives, and I feel optimistic about what the future holds. The support we received has brought relief and allowed us to make meaningful progress, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($155 USD)
access_time 2 months ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
While I was at home with two of my kids, since the other three were in school, I received a message notification. At first, I wasn't sure if it was from GiveDirectly, but after scrolling further, I confirmed that it indeed was. I had received $200 from GiveDirectly. I was so happy and filled with hope because I knew exactly how I would use the money to improve my life. My immediate thought was to clear the school fees balance for my kids, ensuring their education could continue without any interruptions.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest differences in my life since I started receiving transfers from GiveDirectly are in education, food, and my energy to work. Before the transfers, I was constantly stressed about where to find the money to pay school fees. But now, that stress is gone because I know it’s all taken care of for this term.
Regarding food, before GiveDirectly, we had a serious food security issue. We didn’t have farms producing food, and our stores were empty, making it difficult to have meals. But now, my family has enough to eat, which has greatly improved our situation. This, in turn, has increased my productivity in what I do. I now have more energy to work on my farm and do casual jobs, unlike before when I would go to the farm on an empty stomach.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving the $200, I was excited and thankful to GiveDirectly. Since I was expecting the money, I had already planned how to spend it, and I stuck to my plan. I have two children in secondary school, but one has a scholarship, so my main concern at that time was paying school fees for my other child. I used $50 to clear this term's fees, which means I don't have to worry about school fees until the next term.
I also used $82 to buy iron sheets to build a new house. During the floods that hit our village, my house was severely damaged, and I'm currently living in a temporary shelter. I hope to use the next transfers from GiveDirectly to buy more construction materials to complete this project.
Additionally, during the floods, there were no jobs, and our farms were swept away, leading to a big problem with food in my household. I used the rest of the money to buy food to ensure we had enough at home. Now, we have food, and this has brought a lot more joy to my family’s life
Enrolled
access_time 4 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Receiving this money will be like a dream come true because I have been wishing to live in a iron sheet house since my childhood but due to lack of finance I ended up constructing local grass hatched house which is not conducive in our areas because this is a flood prone area. I am planning to build 2 room sloped house for my family so that we can stay peaceful and comfortable like other people. I am planning again to clear school fees arears for my final year child so that he will be comfortable studying at school. I will use the remaining amount of money to buy food, clothed for my children and buy livestock ( goats and sheep).
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am very great full because I managed to educate my children single handedly, working as a farmer and charcoal burner. I have two children in secondary school one child is in his final year which is a great joy for me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The recent floods caused a lot of destruction in my family because my two grass hatched houses was partially destroyed and my 2 acre piece of land which I cultivated this season was swept away completely. I am now relying on casual labour to pay school fees for my 2 secondary school children and also cater their basic needs which is not enough. My biggest worries is for the one in the final year because I have huge school fees arears.