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?
In my opinion, it simplifies plans and helps in their implementation. At the moment, I do not have any suggestions on how GiveDirectly can improve.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I received KES 1200 for my first transfer and used all of it to buy food. When I got the second transfer, I decided to use it for dowry expenses. I had been thinking about visiting my future in-laws but was unable due to financial constraints. So when I received the transfer, I allocated it to dowry payment.
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 farming the time when I received the funds. This came in as a great surprise to me. I felt my prayers were answered. At the time, I was very hungry so I was working to earn something and buy food. But when I saw the message, I dropped all that I was doing and immediately rushed to the shops to buy some food.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Money has always been a problem for me since my earnings have never been stable. With this, it has been a challenge to meet my daily needs. Now that give directly has stepped in to offer some financial support, I will be able to not only meet my needs but also get myself a wife. This is such a great difference I have noted in my life since I started receiving the funds.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a pastor and a farmer by profession. My financial situation has been a roller coaster journey. Whenever I go out to earn a living,I encounter many setbacks that have derailed me in life. Even so, I still have plans of setting down and having a family of my own. To fulfill this, I am needed to gather ksh10000 as dowry. Initially, I had plans to use the funds and pay it in installments of ksh3000. But, this was never possible since I took a phone and the amount that remained was ksh1200. So, I used it all on food.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have been single for so long and I have been wanting to get married so that my aging mother can get an assistant and company as I'm rarely at home during the day. Although I have a girlfriend, the biggest challenge has been raising enough capital to pay dowry. I am a casual worker and on a good day, I earn Ksh 300. This money is only enough to cater for both my basic needs and that of my mother. Receiving this money means that I will save towards paying dowry, buy some good beddings and renovate my house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Although some days we go the whole day without food, we have never gone for two nights straight without food because God has been merciful on us. I think this is something to be happy about.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity has been the biggest challenge that we are currently facing as a family. The prolonged drought has made food prices to go up and the little that I earn from daily wages cannot cater for all the family needs.
