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?
Last year around the month of September I decided to buy motorcycle. But since the money I had was not enough the seller and I agreed that I would pay gradually in installments for a period of one year and six months where I was required to pay KES 2,700 every week. I chose to buy the motorbike because I worked as a palm wine tapper and barely made enough to provide for my family. Luckily soon after I got enrolled into GiveDirectly and it helped me in paying for my debt. This is the similar thing I did after receiving the transfers and so I went ahead and used a portion of the money to pay for the debt. I gave the seller KES 2,500 and then used what I was left with which was KES 500 and bought stationery which included books for my five kids since they were resuming school.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Everything give directly is doing is great. This project of giving monthly cash donation will help me progress in life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I work as a motorcyclist. I used to borrow a motorcycle which I worked with then by the end of the day I get to have a take home which I will use for my family's upkeep. This did not help me make much as there were days, I wasn't able to get anyone offering to lend me their motorcycle. So, in September 2021, I joined a chama that gave motorcycles for hire purchase. I got to make the deposit is ksh15000 using my savings. I have been making weekly payments of ksh2700 that is to go for 1year 6months. The funds from give directly I substituted it to what I have to pay for the loan. This has made it easy for me in meeting my weekly payments.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at my workplace with my colleagues. I heard a notification on my phone. I checked it out, and I indeed confirmed that I had received the transfer. I shared the good news with my friends and immediately sent the transfer via pay bill to pay for the motorcycle. I was overjoyed and filled with emotions at that moment.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The most significant difference in my life is that I am currently self-employed. Having the motorcycle has helped me feed my family and also handed me an opportunity to work even harder to pay the dues that I owe. I am happy for the help from GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When the corona pandemic was confirmed in our country, I was among the causalities that lost their jobs. Since then, I have been surviving on manual jobs. The jobs are very scarce to find, and we are pain a mere KSH 500 a day. The money is not enough to satisfy the needs of my family. All this time, I have been thinking hard about the ways I can make a living. When I received the transfer, I decided to go and buy a motorcycle on credit. Since I will be paying some amount every week, I saw it as owning a bike and having self-employment for ourselves. I spent the whole transfer on paying for the motorcycle.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have always wanted to keep livestock for sale but due to lack of money, my dream has not materialized. For this project to come true, I plan to save my first 5 transfers. I will then use the savings to buy 3 cows and wait for them to multiply and sell at a profit. Receiving this money, therefore, means a steady income and a good life for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the last six months, I have been able to sell coconuts that have helped me to feed my family amidst the drought. Being as to feed my family has brought me joy and happiness.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The current challenge I face is the drought, I walk 3km under the scorching sun to fetch very tiring water. The drought has brought hunger, which has made it impossible for me to feed my 5 children. I depend on selling coconut for a living but due to the drought, I do not get good yields as before. I am afraid if it continues, my family will die of hunger.
