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?
I am a mother of one, a 6-month-old baby. Since I am unemployed, my husband, who works as a driver, has been the sole breadwinner. When I received my first transfer, my child never had any decent clothes. I, therefore, used KES600 to buy him some clothes, and the remaining KES600 I used to purchase some food for the family. Using the second transfer, I bought a goat at KES2500 since I wanted to start practicing livestock farming. The KES500 that remained, I used to buy food.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Give directly has done really well, especially with the cash donations. This money has really come in handy in times of emergency. I also don't depend too much on my husband for financial support as I now have my own money. There is nowhere the organization has done badly.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I received kshs 1,200 because I was given a phone. I used the money to buy a very beautiful dress for my seven months old daughter. It costed kshs 500. I also bought 5 packets of 2kg maize flour worth kshs 600 and soap worth kshs 70.
I have no source of income. I only depend on subsistence farming where I grow maize, beans and vegetables to feed my family. I'm so grateful because the transfer was a great boost for me.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now have a financial plan. I want to start poultry business so that it can be my source of income. I just need kshs 3,000 to start off with 10 local hens. This idea makes my mind to feel settled because I know my business will grow.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was just a dull morning and I was on my way from the shop to buy soap. My phone rang and I saw an Mpesa sms from Give Directly. I was so excited that I hit my toe. I didn't know that I could receive such money from strangers. I'm still very excited because I'll be receiving it monthly.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Getting food and water during this time has become a nightmare for my family. I walk for two and half hours every day to fetch water on an empty stomach, this also affects my child who depends on breast milk because when I don't eat means my daughter will also not be able to feed well.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I was blessed with a bouncing baby girl four months ago. She has brought me joy and happiness in my life.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have always dreamed of living in a good house. My current house is not in a good condition and I am afraid one day a strong wind will blow the roof away because it's not stable. My husband rides a three-wheeled motorized vehicle for a living in town, the money he makes is not enough to feed the family and build a house for us. This money will help me in buying building materials in small bunches until I get enough to start building a new house for my family.
