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?
Give Directly does a tremendous job of giving out cash through which people improve their livelihoods. Some use the money to acquire livestock for rearing, while others revamp or build new houses. Personally, the transfers prove resourceful in securing poultry and livestock. There is nothing Give Directly does wrong.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used KES 1,000 from my first transfer to settle pending school fees for my two children. From the recent transfer, most spending was done on a goat worth KES 2,500. I hope to have the goat reproduce in the future and sell the offspring as an income source. The remaining amount went towards purchasing food for my family.
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 saw the text message at noon. I had just returned from the farm where I had gone to look for cassavas that would be used as food during lunchtime. Since I am not able to read and write I asked my son who was at home to read out the contents of the message for me. He informed me that I had received some cash from GiveDirectly. I was very happy upon receiving that information. I immediately gave him the phone and asked him to go withdraw the money. We cooked Ugali and ate during lunch since I was not able to get any cassava while on the farm.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Yes, the money has made a big difference in my children’s lives in terms of their education. After paying the KSH 1000 in school, they were allowed to go back and continue with their education. I am currently looking forward to getting the next transfer and using part of it to clear part of the school fees arrears of the two.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have two sons who are currently in class 8 and class 4 respectively. They all require my support in school in terms of paying their school fees. I have a small business where I make wooden cooking sticks for sale. The sales I make in this business are not enough to take care of my family's needs and pay school fees for my family. My kids had fee balances of KSH 6200. They have been sent home several times because I cannot manage to raise the whole amount. Their learning has been affected by them being sent home every time. When I received my first transfer I spent KSH 1000 to pay the school fees arrears that my sons owed the school. The remaining KSH 150 was spent in buying a packet of maize flour and a quarter kg of sugar for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My house is in a sorry state. It's heartbreaking to look at. It's falling apart and the roof almost caving in. With this money coming in bits, I don't know whether to save and acquire a reasonable amount like Ksh.30,000 to kick off the building of another house or borrow some money from my Sacco then pay off slowly as the money comes. All I know is, I need to build a decent house for my wife and I then buy a good bed and a mattress so that I can enjoy a good dwelling and quality sleep for the first time in my life.
What is the happiest part of your day?
It's amazing how, even with a lack of money, I have never slept on an empty stomach. God always has a way of ensuring we feed, whether through other people or my odd jobs pay off. I always have a reason to be grateful.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I do not have money. I'm too aged to start looking for work. My children are not doing well and I cannot rely on them for support. My financial distress is causing me a lot of stress especially when it comes to taking care of my family. May God come through.
