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?
As a mother of two children, one in school and the other still young, I prioritize his education by spending $20 on school fees to ensure uninterrupted learning and prevent him from being sent home. Additionally, I contribute $20 monthly to a merry-go-round, totaling $60 with the transfers and I am saving to purchase new metal sheets because the current ones are old. I also allocated $10 for solar power to ensure our home stays lit and with the remaining $12, I purchased food for my family.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I live in a two-room house and I am diligently saving in a merry-go-round to purchase new metal sheets. Our current ones are old and prone to leaks when it heavily rains.My priority is to create a comfortable home for my family. My husband's job doesn't bring in sufficient income and I am committed to working hard to ensure we are able to meet our basic needs without any struggle.
18th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($24 USD)
access_time 6 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My mind is focused on one thing: repairing our house. The rains are almost starting, and that worries me a lot. With the cash transfers I'm receiving from GiveDirectly, my sole aim is to ensure that our house repairs are completed. It's been a constant source of concern for me and my family, but with this support, I'm hopeful that we'll finally be able to make our home safe and secure again.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
You know, the GiveDirectly transfers have really eased our financial burdens. There were times when business was slow, and our needs piled up, but this help made all the difference. It's like a weight was lifted off our shoulders when things got tough. With the last three months' transfers, I contributed $60 to our merry-go-round group of 24 members, and every time it's your turn, you receive $120. My main aim for joining was to accumulate enough cash to finally fix our leaking roof, which had been long overdue as setting aside cash for the repair was not possible due to our low income. After which, I paid $30 for my child's school fees as schools were soon opening. I'm grateful that this time we could afford it due to the transfers we received. Lastly, I spent $12 on buying poultry and household necessities, with the hope that the poultry will generate some extra income once I resell them.
14th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($23 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
GiveDirectly has profoundly transformed my life in ways I could have never imagined. I am delighted to report that these financial transfers have enabled me to not only complete the construction of my home but also furnish it. In the past, I relied on selling pastries in my village, but regrettably, I had to discontinue that business due to health issues. Out of the funds I received, I allocated $34 to cover medical expenses incurred during my childbirth at Kilifi hospital. Additionally, I used $20 to assist my brother in settling his school fees arrears, preventing his expulsion from school. Another $14 went towards the purchase of two chickens that I intend to rear. The remaining amount was handed over to my husband, contributing to his savings, which he utilized to acquire a motorcycle. I am overjoyed that these transfers have made the seemingly impossible dream of owning a motorcycle a reality for us.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Since both my children are still underage and have not yet started their education, my primary goal is to establish a savings fund dedicated to their future.To achieve this, I have devised a plan to acquire and raise goats, essentially transforming them into a savings investment. I intend to utilize the funds from the three upcoming transfers for this purpose. Having the financial means to secure their education provides me with a deep sense of peace and reassurance. I am genuinely grateful for the assistance I've received, as it has significantly improved the quality of our lives.
10th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($25 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the generous support from GiveDirectly, my husband and I were finally able to fulfill our long-held dream of owning a bed. For a while, we had been sleeping on the floor with just a mattress due to financial constraints. Despite our ongoing struggles, any money we managed to acquire was always allocated to other pressing needs. However, when we received a recent transfer of $34.70 from GiveDirectly, we combined it with our savings and successfully purchased a bed worth $55. This has brought immense joy into our lives, and we are eternally grateful for the assistance provided by GiveDirectly.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My ultimate goal is to become a successful livestock keeper in my area. As my family continues to grow, my primary objective is to ensure their well-being by providing for them without facing significant financial challenges. By investing in livestock, I hope to create a sustainable income source that will enable me to support my family and offer my children a quality education. I have already taken the first steps by purchasing a few animals, and I am determined to continue expanding my livestock collection with the transfers that I will receive in the future.
6th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My husband happens to be the breadwinner of our family but he currently does not have a stable job. He works as a motorcyclist and at times as casual labourer when called upon to do some work, he easily goes and does it. He has struggled a lot looking for a stable job but his efforts have not borne any fruit. My parents have threatened him on many occasions that they will come for me because he has not yet settled my bride price. They do not understand the fact that he has no money as traditional states he should buy seven calves each at $70 and he should do it eight times. The thought of being separated from my husband really scared me so I decided to give him $30 to at least send it to my father and show him his efforts. Luckily, my parents reasoned with him and gave him time as he received the money my husband sent him. The remaining amount of $4 we were able to buy food and happily ate it with my husband and child.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I currently buy soap in bulk and divide it and sell it to my villagers. One pack will cost $12 and when I sell it, it does earn me a profit of $5 that is not even enough to sustain my family's needs. I usually pray to Almighty to bless me and help me save enough so that I can be able to start my own kiosk. I want to sell things like kales, cabbages and flour because I believe without food people will not have energy and strength to go on with their lives. With that at least I will make a huge profit and I will be able to help my husband provide for my family, also we can easily pay my bride price and live peacefully with my beloved husband and my one child.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($25 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I was not lucky to finish school, I dropped out of grade 5. I got married two years ago at nineteen years old and I am blessed to have one child. I am not employed, I fully depend on my husband who is employed at a general shop. I received the recent transfer and bought three pieces of iron sheet for $30 to build the house that my husband had started building.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Givedirectly support is hopeful. I am hopeful that my baby can get an education that I was not privileged to have.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($10 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used KES 500 of my KES 1,200 transfer to buy maize flour. At the time I received my transfer, all of our food supplies had run out. I was hoping to get some money from my husband, who is away at work. However, my husband and I were unable to communicate for some time due to a problem with my phone. I could not get his help in time. I spent KES 400 repairing my phone to communicate with my husband again. Finally, I used the remaining KES 300 to purchase three baby clothes for my youngest child.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I was always frustrated and unable to support my small children prior to receiving my transfer. Getting money to buy food was difficult because I was not always in contact with my husband. However, I am overjoyed that the transfer has resulted in a noticeable change in my life. I was able to repair my phone, so I can now call my husband more frequently when I am in need. It has significantly reduced the stressful situation I was in at first.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
For a long time, I did not think I would be able to get the transfer from GiveDirectly. When I realized that the promised month of June had passed, I almost gave up hope. We had high hopes in June, but they never came true. However, I was almost asleep when I noticed that my transfer had been sent. Upon discovering that money, I unexplainably lost sleep and felt a tear of joy run down my chicks. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for its assistance.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My family of 3 solely depend on my husband who is a casual labourer working in the city. The work he does is not reliable such that at times he is not engaged. This means no earning for that particular week/month. This directly affects us as we will not be having any food to eat. We rarely take three meals a day which has affected us especially my one year old son. We also have no bed and mattress since I got married two years ago. This has really been a challenge because sleeping on the floor is not something we are proud of as a young family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am always happy when my family is in good health and can afford at least two meals a day. This give me peace of mind and the positive energy to work extra hard for my family. With the help of my husband we strive to make the family happy.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My family of three has been living in a damaged house for the last two years. It becomes worse whenever it rains as the roof is leaking. My husband who works as a casual labourer and I have been saving the little income we get but due to the ever increasing costs of basic needs such as food it became almost unsuccessful. Upon receiving this money transfer from GiveDirectly I plan to start saving for about five months then I buy new iron sheets as well as a bed and a mattress for my family. I believe through this I will have achieved the needed comfort for my family as well as peace of mind as we will be sleeping in a decent place. The renovation will cost 12000 KES. I also plan to buy 5 goats to start livestock rearing at home which I am hopeful it will serve as a source of income for the family in future. The rest of the money will be spent on food and clothes.