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?
I am fascinated by the way GiveDirectly operates. The information passed to us by their field officers during the community sensitization responded to our concerns and cleared all our doubts. Their level of concern and love for us is amazing. Whenever they get news that any of us has challenges with their Mpesa accounts or for any reason claims to not have received the transfers they either send one of their officers to pay a visit or solve it on phone. We are great full and proud of this organization. I have not heard of anyone who is not contented with their work.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I constructed my current house more than twenty years ago. Being a semi-permanent house, the poles have weakened due to termites infestation while the iron sheets have holes all over. It is not safe and I fear it might harm us especially if we experience strong winds. We still occupy it because I could not afford the cost of constructing a new one. I help people on farms for pay but of late it is not reliable due to the prolonged drought we have experienced for the past two years. This has resulted in scarcity and a high cost of food. We rely on a meal per day and in most cases, we only take a cup of porridge. Therefore, with the second transfer, I bought a piece of an iron sheet at KES 850 and spent KES 2150 on some foodstuffs which are enough to push my family for some period before I budget for more.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($10 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was on the farm cutting trees so I could manufacture some charcoal. When I got this money, I was filled with so much joy. I dropped all that I was doing and rushed out to buy some food. Which has been hard to find in a house due to the droughts plus my age has limited me to not working efficiently as I did before.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
With fewer earnings from my charcoal manufacturing business, it has been hard to get food for my family. Often, we would starve if ever I fail to provide. After I started receiving these funds, I have been able to provide efficiency.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am used to depending on myself when it comes to providing for my family. Through the charcoal manufacturer business, I am able to fulfill this. But at my age, I find it very difficult to go about my duties as before. Still, I push myself to ensure that I have covered my family's needs. The month of March was very hard for me and getting food became a challenge. So, I used the money to buy some food
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am living in a house that has very old roof. The roof leaks during rainy seasons and the holes are big enough that the sky is clearly visible all the time. On those nights with clear sky, I receive maximum moonlight to warrant operation without a lamp. I would like to change this when I receive this money. Because the walls are still strong, I will only repair the roof at a cost of around 50000 KES. That involves buying timber, iron sheets and paying for labor.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Last year, my last child finished her secondary education scoring an average grade of B- . This way she qualifies to join a public university. It was a great joy for all of us because none of my children has ever made it that far. Even though we still don't have money to facilitate her, she's already been placed and I'm happy about it.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I do not like the current condition of my house. It has a leaking roof that is already pouring water on to the wall making them weak every other rainy season. This condition has transformed my life more into survival than living. I can't even keep important things in the house for fear of water damaging them. And if I don't get to repair the roof I'm afraid I'll soon have to build a house.
