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, GiveDirectly is giving people the aid they need through the transfers. Especially, those facing hardships. I do not have any suggestions on how you can improve or something you are not doing well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used the first transfer to purchase a solar panel. It was going for KES 1200 and I had recieved KES 1200 from GiveDirectly after they gave me a phone. The whole amount then went toward the purchase. I bought a bag of maize using the second transfer. I therefore, can say I used KES 3000 for food.
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 at home on my normal errands at around 10am when I had a beep on my phone.I immediately checked and I was so happy to see that I had received kes1200 from GiveDirectly. I shared the good news with my family and we agreed to have the solar lights because it was something have wanted to buy for more than a year.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving transfers in GiveDirectly is bringing light in my home.The whole of my village we have no access of electricity and its costly to use the lamps everyday. I have always wanted to buy the solar lights but with financial constraints it was quite impossible to buy them .
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
In the village I live we have no access of electricity and all homes depend on either natural sources of lights or the traditional lamps which consume oil.When I received this funds I was at a point of need and I used all the money to buy solar lights for my home.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
A food-secure family is a happy family. As the household head, it is my primary responsibility to give them the best. For many years now, our one-acre piece of land has only been able to produce food enough for three months. To put an end to this, my plan is to purchase another two acres for 80000 KES. I had already started saving in a table banking group and through these transfers, I will achieve my dream earlier than expected.
What is the happiest part of your day?
As a parent, my children's well-being matters a lot. Every afternoon when I am resting with them around me I feel so happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My occupation as a palm wine tapper is seasonal hence undependable. On a good season, I can make up to 1000 KES a day. However, this happens for only four months in a year and the rest of the days are a hustle. Presently, I make an average of 200 KES yet I am the only bread earner. My family suffers from the low provision of basic needs, thus making our life unbearable.
