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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($462 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Previously, I had been using a pit latrine that was in a pathetic condition. My children feared using it because its floor was weak, they feared it would collapse soon. Consequently, they resolved to use bush whenever they felt pressed down. Therefore, immediately after I received my recent transfer, I developed a new goal of building a toilet. It is very comfortable and flushable, and I feel proud of GiveDirectly for leaving a permanent mark in my life. Whenever I look at the toilet, I always remember the act of kindness GiveDirectly had demonstrated towards us.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I hold a view that GiveDirectly does well in supporting the needy community by giving them unconditional cash. It collects key information on the impact the transfer has on our lives by doing a constant follow-up. Calling us continuously also makes us feel good and valued. In addition, it gives us a platform to reach out when we have a concern through a toll-free number. In contrast, there is nothing that I have so far observed that GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent about KES 40,000 to build a new toilet for my family. During the process, I also renovated a portion of my house, specifically the floor that was in poor condition. This is something I'm thinking about doing because it has not been renovated since my husband died. The remaining KES 13,000 allowed me to buy food for my family and medications for my sick son. He is physically challenged; he had a problem with his right hand, which required it to be amputated.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($474 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was in the evening when I saw an envelope like on the screen of my phone. I contacted my helper to check what it was and he confirmed that it was the transfer from GiveDirectly. My heart was filled with joy and I ululated a little bit slow not to be heard by people because I did not want to draw some attention.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Initially, it was shameful going to the bush for calls of nature. At times I would collide with my children in the bush which made me feel losing respect but due to poverty to build a pit latrine, I had no alternative rather than to visit the bush at night. When I received the transfer, constructing a washroom was one of the plans and I am happy that as of now, the washroom is underway and soon we will be having a secured place as a family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon withdrawing the money, the first thing I did was buy some foodstuff to ensure my family has food security. I bought a sack of 90kg maize, a sack of 25kg rice, and cooking oil. Thereafter, I bought a modern bed and a mattress because I used to sleep on a traditional bed with a torn mat. Having done that, I opted to build a washroom because for a while my family and I have been going to the bush for the calls of nature.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My family of four members has no toilet so we normally use neighbor's one. This is a practice which has been challenging especially when visitors pay us a visit as it's a shame to lack that crucial property. Receiving this money would mean solving that problem once and for all because I plan to build a toilet and a bathroom where my family will have a decent place to relieve themselves as well as taking shower. This would bring so much joy and dignity in my family. I will spend KES 7000 on making this structure. I have been having chest ache for three years now but due to lack of money, I could not go to the hospital for check up and treatment. Therefore I will also spend KES 10, 000 to seek medical attention.
What is the happiest part of your day?
It was during the festive season, when my daughters who work in Mombasa came home with plenty of foodstuffs and two dresses worth KES 1500 for me. This made me happy as the clothes I had were torn out. We had a great time with my family as we enjoyed and rejoiced together.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
After the death of my husband 11 years ago I had lots of stress on how I will raise my five daughters having no stable job to do. This condition led me to depression and eventually I got ulcers which up to now I am not in good health. Lack of enough money to cater for my family's needs is a also a big issue which not giving me peace of mind.
