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?
For the past four months of the year, life has become hard and unbearable for low-income earners. As a result, I have had some moments to go without food. Before the date of my April transfer, I did not have any food for my family. In addition, I could not buy additional food because I did not have money. My small business of selling ready food was none operational since I had closed it down in March when I was scheduled for a CS since I was expecting and sickling. After the surgery, I could not run the business anymore. The transfer, therefore, helped me in buying maize flour and water since I was in dire need of such essential commodities. Thanks to GiveDirectly for its generous support.
6th Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I recently had a child, bringing the total number of children that I have to two. My firstborn is now 6 years of age but unfortunately, he is disabled and has yet to start school. I have been taking him for treatment and on a monthly basis, I use KES 1800 on transport expense. This has proven fruitful as he can now sit on his own. My husband, who is a charcoal manufacturer, only makes KES 1600 monthly. Before, I would boost our finances through the street food vending business. But now that I'm still on maternity, I have yet to heal from the c-section I had during childbirth. The financial constraint made it difficult to get food and water which has been scarce so when I got my transfer, I used it on this, especially in buying water which has been costly as 6 20-liter jerricans of water sell at KES 400.
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?
Give directly has greatly impacted me by uplifting my life through the monthly cash donations. This is what I believe they have done well in and I cannot see where it does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I recently put to bed increasing the number of children in my family to two. My firstborn, who is 9years old, is yet to start school as he is handicapped. Other than the costly treatments, the transportation to and from the hospital is also high. Whenever he needs treatment, I spend ksh400 on transport. Despite the challenges, my husband and I always strive to making ends meet. He works as a charcoal burner and I as a storekeeper. Putting food on the table has been a challenge for us but it improved when we started receiving the funds from give directly. My first transfer of ksh1200, went towards the food expense. As for the second transfer of ksh3000, I spent ksh100 to purchase soap as for the remaining amount, I spent it on food during the Christmas holiday.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the text message at 9 am. I was washing clothes for my newborn baby. I heard the phone ringing loudly. Upon checking it out I realized that I had received the transfer. I was very happy. I counted these as blessings from God. I called my husband informed him of the good news and he was very happy too.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The money has brought about a big difference in my life. I now have started a small business that will help me in taking care of my newborn baby and the rest of the family. I was able to take my baby to the hospital using the money, so that’s something I am grateful for.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I recently was blessed with a newborn baby. The new baby comes along with new responsibilities. Before giving birth I had planned to start a small business so that I could help my husband out in paying some of the family bills. My only challenge with that was sourcing out the capital to start the business. When I received the transfer I spent KSH 500 in buying Omena to sell to my customers. I also spent KSH 500 buying food for the family. The food stock was getting depleted. A few days after giving birth to the baby she developed a cold and I had to rush her back to the hospital. I spent the rest of the amount to pay for the hospital bill.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
It will be of help, it will enable me to expand my current business. I sell vegetables just outside my house. I can opt to sell fried potatoes and buns and from its proceeds expand the size of my shop.
I live in a three-roomed house which is a bit small, I will add one more room to create more space for hosting visitors.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Days my clients pay up the goods they took on credit are my happiest. I tend to buy myself a dress and some household items at least to make my family happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Imagine being in labor for six days, the pain, discomfort, and lack of sleeping, waiting on doctors to assist you to bring your bundle of joy to this world but they fail you.
I spent six days in labor in a hospital and all the doctors kept saying was that I was not yet due. On the seventh day, I was taken to a hospital in Mariakani, on arrival it was an emergency and I had to be operated on. My baby did not cry for three days due to the hard labor. To date, he has not been able to talk or walk.
If only I got assistance the minute I stepped into the first hospital I believe my baby boy would now be running around, playing with other children of his age, and responding whenever I talk to him.
I now have to take him for treatment thrice in a month, of which some months I have to skip because I cannot afford to come up with the money for transportation.
