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?
GiveDirectly did well in coming up with the cash transfer program. With this unconditional cash, I can comfortably decide on what to do to change my life for the better. Nowadays, I am able to meet my basic needs, especially food more easily.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the famine that we are currently experiencing in our area, receiving the transfer was a great boost for me in terms of acquiring food myself. I spent the larger part of my transfer on food, I bought 2 bundles of maize flour for KES 2500. In addition, I used KES 500 to purchase new pair of clothes since I was wearing old and worn-out which were embarrassing ones. I am also planning to spend my next transfer to purchase one goat to start livestock rearing.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was seated under a tree around 10 am and heard a notification on my phone. The moment my son confirmed to me that I have received money from GD, I was very happy because I knew that that day my family was going to eat well.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I have only received these transfers once and for now, cannot describe the difference yet since I spent all the money on food during Christmas.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
We decided as a household to contribute KES 200 from each member towards buying a bundle of flour and the remaining amount of money I spent on buying 1kg of sugar that cost KES 100 and food at KES 900.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a farmer who loved farming when I was young and energetic. I still love farming but at 82 years old, I have no energy left to do it by myself. All my children stay in town and I depend on my them for basic need. Therefore, I can't ask them to send money to pay labour and buy farm inputs because they'll say I shouldn't be farming at this age . With with this transfers, will be able to pay people till my 2 acres land and buy inputs to do farming when the rains are back.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Although my children don't stay around, I appreciate the fact that they usually remember to send support for their father. Even though I am a lonely old man, this is something to be happy about.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My wife died eight years ago and since none of my children stays around, I have been struggling to do everything by myself. Sometimes I don't manage to cook and end up relying on neighbors and well wishes for food.
