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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($452 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 am delighted the support allowed me to better my life, they also allowed me to grow my business and enhance the profits. In order to be able to timely pay my children's school tuition, I hope to maintain and even grow it. My objective is to build on the business so that we can support our family's requirements. We are fortunate to have five children, all of whom are in primary school, but before we had the support, paying for their tuition was a hardship.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
It was an honor to be given such a significant sum of money, and it was a great joy to even be allowed to choose how to spend it. All the recipients are grateful that Give Directly supported our community, and we showed our appreciation by wisely investing the funds in things that have made our lives better. I do not currently have any concerns, and I am not aware of any negative reports from the other beneficiaries either.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I did not have a reliable means of transport to my business premise and in most cases I would walk or hire a means of transport especially to deliver my goods to customers. I therefore bought a second hand motorcycle worth $450. Since then it has been easy and I have even invented a new business opportunity of buying charcoal and delivering to people at a fee which has to improved household income. Through this, my wife has does not stay idle at home since she takes care of our business while I deliver goods and even operate it for taxi services. The remaining $90 I used to boost my retail shop business and it is good the profits have improved. My gratitude goes to the organization and thanks to them through the support, our children have improved on their performance in school because they are no longer sent back home for school fees. My appreciation goes out to the organisation, and because of their assistance, our children's academic performance has increased since they are not really being sent home for school expenses anymore.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($471 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home around 9 am having breakfast before going out on my usual business of charcoal burning. I had a message tone and immediately reached for my phone, which was next to me. I was surprised and thrilled to see the amount received. I instantly knew that the cash was from GiveDirectly. I called my wife with excitement and shared the news, which made my wife so happy.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The grocery shop and Charcoal business have not been enough sources of income, especially with my four children at school. I still have about KES 3500 which I owe the school for this first term, but the difference is at least having paid most of it and ownership of goats which would be a source of income when they reproduce and the market price appreciates.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a charcoal burner who has a grocery shop next to my home. I have been juggling between the shop and the charcoal business in order to provide for my family. After careful thinking, I withdrew the cash after five days and bought ten goats for KES 39,000. I have four children at school and one of them is in boarding school, I spent KES 15,000 for her boarding items and spent part of the cash as school fees for him and his siblings
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I possess the only shop in my village, but I have less stock to satisfy my customer's needs. Receiving this money means business advancement to me. I intend to build a new shop with sufficient space where I can increase my stock to assimilate all customers. Currently, I have rented a small room which serves as the shop and bedroom at night. I will use 15,000 to build a new room for my shop and add stock with the remaining amount. I am optimistic about a better tomorrow through my business. The revenue I get from this business, I will save at the nearest bank so that I can get loans when need be.
What is the happiest part of your day?
During the festive season, this is the time many people come to the village. This is the period my business was at a peak season. I was happy I could sell three bales of wheat flour for my customers in one day. I was able to pay my debts and buy clothes for my children.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial contains have always hindered my development. I own a shop but all my profit is used to pay school fees for my five children in boarding schools. I can not save any profit I get, thus I have no investment. The shop is the only source of income and all revenue from it is drained to food and school fees. I am stressed about venturing into a new business to generate income.
