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 has been of so much help to my family and I. I have been timely on my loan payments and I have settled some of my bills. As for the area of improvement, if it's possible, give directly should have an option of sending lump sum to the recipient. This will be very helpful in purchasing an item of need.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I took a loan of KES15000 from my Chama to purchase a motorcycle and the monthly payment is KES1500. The motorcycle has enabled me to earn a living. This puts me in a better position to meet my children's needs. Using 300 from my first transfer, I paid their school fees, I then topped up the amount I had with KES440 to pay for the loan I took and the remaining KES460 was what I used to purchase food. As for my second transfer, I used KES1500 to again pay for the loan, and the remaining 1500, I used to clear the school fee arrears.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Just as every morning, I was getting ready to go to work. We were with my kid who had already been sent home due to school fees arrears. I received an MPESA text and was so happy as I am now able to pay fees. I headed to an MPESA agent and withdrew the cash enabling me clear part of the fee balance.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I was able to clear my kid's school fees and able to save enough to continue providing for my family. Also, I was able to add to food supplements in the house.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving KES 1200 from GiveDirectly was a major boost as I was able to pay the fuliza debt of KES 400 that I had. I was also able to pay the fee arrears of KES 300. Moreso, I got to get additional food stuff for our home.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am 29 years old and at my age, I still do not have a house. It lowers my self-esteem when my age mates have houses and some even have families. Since I have a bank account it will help me in saving the money, I will be channeling the money directly to my account for one year and then start buying building materials thereafter.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I took a motorcycle on loan in July to start a business, since then I have seen some changes in my life economy-wise, it has also helped my father save some money that he used to spend to take my siblings to school.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Currently, I am riding a motorcycle to earn a living. I took the motorcycle on loan which I am required to pay 2575KES weekly and with the current economic situation, it is difficult to get that money weekly. This forces me to borrow money from my siblings because if I don't pay it on time it will be taken away.
