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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($442 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My New goal is to raise money so that I could clear fees for my son who did his final exam in high school two years ago. He was denied his certificate because of the arrears. This has hindered him from hunting for jobs and I believe once I acquire the needed cash, he will be able to grab good jobs or go for further studies.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
According to me, the organisation did well for us and no one could afford to complain. First, the idea of offering unconditional cash transfers was the best. I had all the freedom to choose what works better for me and grab it. Therefore I do not think there is any part that needs a change so far.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent almost KES 45000 of my second transfer on purchasing stationeries, uniforms and cleared fees for my son who was transitioning to high school. I thank God for bringing this organisation into my life because if it were not for them, my son would still be at home. I had been trying to seek support from friends and even some other organisations but in vain. I however did not lose hope and I was certain that God will see us through. The fact that he is now in school makes me believe that his future will be brighter together with his generations. With the remaining amount, I bought food for my eight family members which took us almost a month.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($479 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Not having a stable daily job, this came as a big relief to my family and I. On this day I received the MPESA text from GiveDirectly, I was just from grazing the cattle in the field. I could not contain my joy as I knew the goals I had were about to come to realisation. I withdrew the funds from the nearest MPESA agent the following day and put the funds to good use.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The funds enabled me to start a business for my wife where she will now be earning some income and keeping herself busy. More to that, we have sufficient food supplication for the whole family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
On receiving the 55000Ksh from GiveDirectly, I was able to undertake a number of tasks set. I cleared the fees arrears for my six children at 15000Ksh ensuring they have their continuous studies. Having been living in a not so good house condition wise, I purchased cement and sand for the repair and also paid the labour cost all at 10000Ksh. My wife having no job, I decided to set up a shop for her where she can be earning that extra coin to support the family. The cost of setting up the shop was 22000Ksh which I had set aside. The remaining 8000Ksh, I added to the food supplements in the house hence no sleeping hungry.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I built a semipermanent house about ten years ago but I haven't finished it yet to date. Whenever I plan to do so things keep coming up and I always end up diverting resources. These are like school fees for my children, general emergencies among others. I have been just trade on charcoal for the longest time; buying from the village and reselling at Kilifi town for a profit, but I can only make up to KES 500 per day which is way too low for my needs. Therefore if I get this money, I will be in a good position to finish my house by plastering, creating windows as it is windowless at the moment, as well as repairing roof and damaged parts of the walls.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Last year was mostly draught and so I had to take my five cattle to places about two kilometres away on daily basis to be able to find pasture before I start my business. This really reduced my operation time hence affected the much I could make. But all these changed when rains came, and right now I'm happy we have a lot of fresh grace to graze on.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have three children who are still attending different schools; two in primary school and one in a secondary school. In one academic term I part with about KES 5000 to settle their school fees excluding other school requirements and payments. It's nearly impossible to comfortably raise this money from charcoal selling earning me KES 500 per day, within the required time while also taking care of some other family needs.
