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
53150 KES ($428 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?
I want to really work hard and invest enough money in my business and ensure that my children will never be sent out of school again. I want them to constantly remain in school and not be sent out as they were used to. Since I received transfers, I have started having hopes that my future and my children's future will be great.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The fact that a stranger whom you had not expected nor had an idea that will give you money, when they give you, you have no option but to always be thankful and appreciate all the efforts they do for you. The unconditional money and the support they give us but the calls is something that makes me happy.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
As we all know, students are going back to school after a long holiday break. I decided to divide the money I got amongst my children. I have children who are at College, Highschool and also primary school. I was really happy that GiveDirectly sent that money because I had a lot of debt to settle but now I can settle it easily. Thank you so much GiveDirectly, I'm really proud that you took the initiative to improve and better our lives.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($474 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around noon while on a journey riding a journey. That's when my brother called to inform me that the transfers had arrived. On checking, I had received KES 55,000 from GiveDirectly. I was overwhelmed with joy because that day earlier I had also received good news about my daughter's performance. Though the road was quite muddy I couldn't wait to come home to celebrate with my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I received the transfers is the payment of school fees for my kids. This was quite a challenge because I have five kids now in school. As a result, the income from milk which was used for school fees is now used for household expenditures and clothing.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a father of six and a farmer. I normally rely on maize, beans, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes to feed my family and pay school fees for my kids.
During enrollment, my priority was school fees payment. Therefore, when I received the transfers arrived I send KES 41,000 to my son on campus for school fees and accommodation payment. Earlier to pay school fees I used to rely on dairy, beans, and pumpkin farming.
Secondly, I also spent KES 5, 000 on payment of church tithe. Lastly, I used KES 3,000 in the clearance of school fees arrears for my daughter in high school.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
We are a family of 5 with 2 of our children in school and one in University. The biggest burden as of now is paying their school fee as well as meeting other basic needs like food. We, therefore, plan to use this money to pay up their school fee which adds up to approximately KES 80,000 a year. This will help us to concentrate and channel our income to other family developments. For the rest of the amount, we plan to purchase a heifer as an investment.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My son was sitting for the National exams and passed well. He was lucky to join Maseno University. As a family, we are so happy since it's our first child to join university.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest challenge is food insecurity. This has mainly been brought by crop diseases that adversely affected maize farming. Our area also experiences low rainfall which also affects production generally. For the better part of the year, we purchase food from a nearby market which is costly to us. The finances that would have been used for other needs are channeled to purchasing food.
