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.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in helping needy people in our society through the cash transfer program. In addition, the regular follow-up after every transfer has improved the ownership of the program as well as the relationship with the officers. Furthermore, I am free to call them over the phone whenever I face any challenge concerning the program. Lastly, the enrollment process was free and fair to all and no one was required to pay anything to be enrolled.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 1500 of my recent on purchasing enough food for my family. This is because we are experiencing famine in our area and it is hard to get food due to the high cost of living. I save the remaining amount that will assist me in renovating my house which has collapsed on one side. I am planning to use the next transfer to acquire building poles as well as pay part of the labor charges for the renovation of the house.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had gone to the bush to look after my livestock when I received the news about the transfer. It was around 9 am when I received message notifications alert on my phone. I had to wait until I returned home for my helper to confirm my account if I had received the transfer. I felt very happy about receiving my transfer since I was not imagining I would receive such an amount of money in my life that would aid in realizing my dreams.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Being able to comfortably meet my basic like food is the biggest difference in my daily life. Previously, I was spending some days without food due to the high cost of living because of the inflation that we are experiencing in our country. Furthermore, I am confident that I will finally be residing in a comfortable house once I complete the renovation of my house. This will restore the happiness that I had missed because of the bad state of my shelter.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My desire has been to construct a decent shelter for myself since the house that I currently own is old and has collapsed on one side. I was suffering a lot as a result of strong colds nights which has impacted my health condition negatively. Similarly, am always afraid that it might fall at any time leaving me homeless. After receiving my transfer, I used KES 2000 to purchase building poles which I intend to reconstruct my house. I also used KES 1000 to purchase food for myself. Moreover, I am planning to use the next transfer to continue with the renovation of my house.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Half of my house has already fallen,the roof of the side am sleeping in is leaking and when the weather is windy ,it gets into my room just like I am outside. Receiving this money means I will repair my house and be able to sleep with less worries as I always have thoughts that the roof may fall any time.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The great support I am receiving from my children. Despite the economic plights, all my children support me with food, something that I am joyful with.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The prolonged drought brought me down financially. I used to have 18 cows and as we speak I have remained with 7 the rest starve to death. These cows used to produce milk that I sold to my neighbours and also did barter trade-they brought maize and I gave them milk.
