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.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 6a.m and I was still asleep and heard my phone vibrate upon checking, it was an MPESA message confirming receipt of the promised funds from Givedirectly. I immediately woke my wife to inform her and she was equally excited. The next month I sent to school accounts to clear the arrears they had.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Clearance of school fees for my three children in university is the biggest difference in my daily life after receiving my first transfer. We had been struggling for a long time alongside meeting other financial obligations.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Clearing school fees for my children in school was a priority after receiving my first transfer. I have three children in higher education-two at university and one in medical school. I am happy since I was able to clear all arrears that I had.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have been wondering about where to get funds for topping up school fees for my daughter who is joining university next month. She is going to pursue a Bachelor of Science course in medicine at Kenyatta University. The savings that we had made toward raising the required fees is insufficient. So, I am delighted to receive this grant because it will enable me to raise about KES 70000 that is needed. Thank you GiveDirectly for this support.
What is the happiest part of your day?
About three months ago, one of my daughters sat for her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations and excelled. This has brought us joy because I am hopeful that upon completing her studies, she will secure a well-paying job and enjoy a bright future. As a responsible parent, I am particularly happy to support her as she pursues her dream course.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I would like to diversify the source of income for my family by venturing into agriculture. Unfortunately, agriculture has proven unfruitful since harsh climatic conditions and tropical diseases are destroying crops in our area. This hurts me because I am not maximizing my potential on matters about farming.
