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?
I was diagnosed as an asthmatic patient in 2001. The doctors cautioned me about doing strenuous work. So, I had to stop my charcoal manufacturing business and I am now a community volunteer. Here, I do not get salaries but rather allowances to help me get by, leaving me to depend on my husband, who works as a casual laborer at a steel manufacturing company. He earns very little and thereby struggles to get food for us as he is polygamous. When I got my transfer, I used KES 1500 to buy food and water, KES 1200 went towards my medical check-up, and the remaining KES 800, I bought two ducks to improve my poultry farming business. My intention of Investing in ducks is because they rarely contract illnesses plus there is a high demand for them, where one sells at KES 1,000. So far, I have six of them. From this business, I believe I will be able to satisfactorily provide for my two children, who are in school.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Give Directly does well by giving unconditional cash without any discrimination. This promotes equity and allows people to be empowered financially without having to be worried about how to repay the debts because they give nonrefundable cash.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My children had torn school uniforms because I could not afford new ones then. They had not paid the examinations fee too at the time when I receive my transfers. I, therefore, spent Ksh 1800 on both their school fees and new school uniforms. Through the support of Give Directly they managed to sit for their end-term examinations because it would have taken me almost two weeks to raise the Ksh 800 for the examinations. I also paid Ksh 800 for a solar panel which I bought on credit. I am required to pay Ksh 50 daily in order to use it but at times I could not afford it leaving us in darkness. My children are so excited because the service providers have not disconnected the solar lump. They can do their studies without any inconvenience. They are so grateful to Give directly for the support. Part of the money I spent on my medication following my health condition. I have a chronic illness that requires me to be on daily medication and attend weekly clinics.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I happen to do volunteer work in explaining to soon to be mothers and ones who recently had babies about proper care giving to their infants and so that day I was doing an outreach when I received the message which came in at around eleven in the morning that day. I was so happy because my pockets were completely empty and I had finally received some money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The funds I receive have played a huge role in my day to day life for instance the financial had reduced tremendously because noe I have extra help which makes life less hard as compared to before and also my children get to stay in school because the day I received the money they had actually been sent home due to pending balances.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
In August I decided to install solar power in m y home because of a various reason including proper lighting but at the time I was required to pay KES 16,000 for the solar panel but since I did not have the money I decided to take it on loan as I paid gradually overtime. So after receiving the money I took KES 800 and paid in advance because the deal I had made was that I pay KES 45 everyday until I cleared my debt. As for the remainder of the money I took the KES 400 and paid tuition fee for two of my children splitting it equally among them since I had a balance and I was left with a debt of KES 200.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have struggled in darkness for years. Recently I took a solar panel on credit, demanding payment of KES 55 each day (which accummulates to KES 1650 a month).I have not been able to pay daily leaving us in darkness for a couple of days.The first transfers will help me clear the solar payments. Meanwhile, will be saving a approximately KES 400 a month in a table banking which will eventually help in renovation of my house which lacks windows.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My last born, who is 5years now has been suffering from chronic malaria disease. We have been in and out of hospitals for quite sometime. On April, my daughter was able to get treated and fully recovered. We have not sort any medication since April and this has kept me happy and grateful.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
With KES 500 as the weekly allowances sent by my husband, am not able to meet my basic needs. Besides, my homestead is situated approximately 200m from the neighbours. I stay with my two children who are below ten years. Security for my homestead is a problem. I have longed to have my house lit with security lights but financial constraints have been limiting us. I acquired a solar panel on credit three months ago, but my security is still not granted since I have a number of days without light since am not able to clear the daily payments.