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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($517 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The fact that I was able to clear school fees arrears for my children was the biggest difference in my life. They will never be sent home for fees arrears again and their performance will go up because they will always have ample time to study in school. school fees
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Receiving cash was the best thing I know about this program. I am satisfied with everything.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my transfer to invest in livestock farming by buying five goats which I am keeping. When I have any financial difficulty, I can seel the goat to raise money. I also used part of the transfer to pay school fees for my children who had been sent home for fees arrears. I am glad they are back in school. The remaining I used on buying food to boost the stock we had in store. Thanks to GD.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($545 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
It has always been my desire as a parent to see my children progressing with their education and complete without any interruptions. I have struggled to raise their fees to support my husband who does casual jobs getting meagre income that is not always enough to carter to our needs. When I received this transfer, I cleared their outstanding arrears and currently, my three children are comfortably in school. I am now at peace since this has given me adequate time to look for more money that I can use to meet other family goals including an upfront payment of my children's fees.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had received a message notification early that morning which was unusual. I hurriedly grabbed my phone to check the content of the message when I realized that GiveDirectly had sent my transfer. I was filled with joy and broke the news to my family who joined me in celebrating almost the entire day.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent KES 40000 to clear school fees for my three children who are currently in high school. I am now at peace seeing them going on with their studies without any interruptions. Besides that, I managed to buy stationery and new uniforms for them as well which was a requirement in school. Buying a mattress was also one of my priority and so I used KES 10000 to buy two of them. I wanted to replace the old and worn-out mattresses that I had been using for many years. Finally, the last plan was buying foodstuff and paying some of the household expenses.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I believe illiteracy is the mother of all problems. Without education one is not able to lead a quality life in the 21st century. I wouldn't want my children to suffer in future and I desire to give them quality education. Once they are educated enough, they will be able to pursue better job opportunities. This will enable them to take care of themselves and also help me in future. In regard to this, I will purchase goats for rearing that I will sell to finance their education. This project will bring high returns because goats multiply faster and they are drought resistant.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Waking up to see my family healthy makes me happy. Their smiling faces motivate me to press on because I live for them. This brightens my day and I can say I am mostly happy in the morning.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband is the sole breadwinner in a family of 9 yet he is a casual labourer. Such jobs are hard to come by and sometimes he spends up to 2 weeks without any. He is really struggling to provide for us and he cannot meet all our needs. It is normal for my children to be sent home for school fees and they stay for weeks. Besides, it is difficult to get food something which gives me a lot of pain. All this suffering is a result of not having a stable source of income which is my biggest hardship.
