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 ($467 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I do not have any developing goals that emerged and I am thankful for what I achieved. As a single mother of seven, my major concern was the issue of housing. Initially, I used to sleep in a very small house in a very poor state. For all those years I have been seeking shelter from friends, especially during the rainy season which was so embarrassing. I now have peace of mind because I also managed to construct a second house for my sons.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly is such a unique NGO which the best services to its clients. As the beneficiaries, we were all treated equally regardless of age, religion, or tribe. The financial help empowered most of us to own assets that we would purchase it was not for the help. I am grateful for how the organization transformed my life positively.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying building materials which include iron sheets at KES 16000, building poles at KES 6000, and the labor charges of KES 5000. This was for the construction of a new house for my elder son who has been sleeping at his friend's house for years. Also, I bought six goats at KES 27000. I am so proud to have them in my compound because they will serve as security in case of any emergency. I later paid school fees of KES 5000 for my seven kids who are still in primary school. With the remaining amount, I bought foodstuffs for my family that lasted for almost three weeks.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($489 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
While in the field at around 7am cutting some logs to prepare charcoals for sale, I received a message in my phone. I didn’t bother to know what the message was all about since I do not know how to read, thus preceded with my work till noon when I returned home. On reaching home, I asked one of the family members to check what the message was all about. The news I received was good news, I jumped up and down in happiness after the GiveDirectly transfer news was broken to my ears.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Initially, my charcoal business was hand to mouth and it wasn’t a guarantee. Sometimes my family and I had to sleep hungry. But since the day I received the GiveDirectly transfer, we have been having a good flow of food for the family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My house was leaking and I had bought a few iron sheets before, therefore I opted to increase the number of iron sheets so that I can renovate my house. I bought 10 pieces for KES 8000.00 and some roofing timbers for KES 4200.00. Thereafter, I bought a standard bed and a mattress for KES 11800.00. I also paid KES 2000.00 school fees for my five children who are in primary school. I reserved the remaining amount for the family upkeep.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
As a mother, seeing my children sleep on the earthy floor as I enjoy the comfort of a bed and mattress, pains me a lot. My ambition is to purchase the same for them so that they can be comfortable too. This will cost me approximately KES 10,000. Another KES 30,000 will go into constructing a decent shelter for them as well while the rest of the transfer size will help me invest in livestock for future financial needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Most mornings, my children have to go to school hungry unlike in the afternoon when I come back from my casual jobs and we can all enjoy a hearty meal. This makes it the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Domestic violence saw me separate from my estranged husband 2 years ago. Thereafter, I had to bear the sole responsibility of raising my 6 children by engaging in charcoal production that gives me at most KES 1800 in 2 weeks. This money is barely enough for food. My eldest child did not get the privilege of going to school because of all these challenges. He now does casual jobs to supplement the family income. My biggest hardship is therefore lack of sufficient income for food, water, education and other basic needs.
