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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($448 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have been living with my children on my parents' land where I can barely start an extra project since the space is limited. I have hopes of buying my piece of land where I can settle with my five children comfortably. The piece of land will be our pride since we will finally have a place to call home.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I appreciate every piece of advice I got during enrollment, and even the freedom of spending to meet my needs was a good gesture. I have nothing bad about the whole process and everyone in the village is still praising GiveDirectly for the generous support they gave us. Long live GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
fees 3k, building 30k, 2 mbuzi 7k, clothes 4k, food 3k have 5 kids, bed 6k, am farmer separated with hubby
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($468 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I do remember that day vividly, it was on a Wednesday of the 11th of May 2022 at 5.35 pm when I received the transfer message from GiveDirectly. At the moment, I was breast-feeding my child in my room but due to the happiness that engulfed my heart, I found myself to have carried the baby on my back. I stood happily knowing that the hardship I had been passing through was going to be resolved.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My sardine business has not been enough to sustain my family. I have been relying to this business for a long time in taking care of my children’s upkeep and wellbeing but due to the inflation of prices for commodities the business was no longer reliable and life took the left hand side direction. I am grateful for the support I received from GiveDirectly because it changed my life to a promising angle. I was able to take back my children who had been sent out of school due to school fees, I also paid examination fees for them plus next term fees.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon withdrawing the money, I first paid KES 1590.00 school fees for my two primary school children who had been sent home for the same. I also opted to pay the fee arrears of KES 1590.00 which I was unable to pay for the previous term. I also bought four goats for KES 14450.00. I decided to buy goats over a cow because goats are more resistant to drought than cows and our area has often been affected by drought. Thereafter, I bought seven iron sheets for KES 4900.00 to construct a house for my children. Having done that, I used the remaining amount for the family’s upkeep.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
You can not imagine the joy I have in my heart knowing that I may be among people that are likely to benefit from this program. It has been two years since I heard about GiveDirectly. I prayed and hoped that they would consider our village because I had plans of investing in livestock, six goats will suffice, and building a one-room house for two boys.
I now have hopes that this is soon coming to pass. My two boys sleep in their uncle's house because I can not house them in the same room as my daughters, it is not acceptable in our culture. Having them in their room will give me a lot of peace.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am happy to be alive and strong together with my five children. None of them is sick and God has given me the grace to bring them up despite the financial challenges I face as a single parent.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The cost of living has increased and just being able to afford a plate of food is difficult. The climate has not been favorable, the rains have not poured and this has affected our harvests. I work casual jobs like carrying water for people so that I can at least earn a 100 KES to buy food for my five children.
