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
53150 KES ($525 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different because before I used to deal with the motorcycle taxi business. The motorcycle that I was using was old and its engine was worn out. Most of my customers had complained and I was loosing some to other taxi guys. This affected the daily income that I was making and my household members got it rough. After receiving the transfers, I bought a new engine and other parts that were old and it is as good as new. This has made my customers comfortable and even brought new customers. With the revenue earned, I can now comfortably take care of my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, the fact that the grant issued by Give Directly is unconditional makes it so unique. One can use the money how best they feel without restrictions and again as I have said it is a grant hence you owe no one. Saying GD has done well will be an understatement. If I were a donor then I would replicate what GD has done to our community with confidence.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
When I received my transfers, I did not hesitate with the plan I had of constructing a house. I quickly went to the nearest shopping center and withdrew some amount. I then bought all the necessary building materials as per the quotation I had from the mason, paid for a taxi to help me transport them home. I was filled with so much joy as I Knew the dream of owning a house was finally coming to pass. I did set aside some amount from the budget to pay the mason and his workmen.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($546 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
My motorcycle got spoilt after its engine was faulty. I was devastated because it was my only source of income. I started burning charcoal as an alternative source of income since I had to find a way of paying my bills. Unfortunately, the income was not much that could help me buy a new engine. I am glad that I have repaired the motorcycle with GiveDirectly's transfer which is my biggest difference. I make a profit of 1000 KES on a daily basis which has already uplifted my living standard. GiveDirectly's transfer has motivated me to venture more into new projects which I am certain will develop my life. At the moment, I am almost recovering the money that I used to purchase the engine. I intend to save even more with the idea of buying a piece of land purposely for commercial use.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was waken by a message alert which I confirmed its content immediately and it stated that GiveDirectly had sent money . I felt very happy since I knew I would revive my bodaboda business . The money was a motivate to start up the business after it had collapsed for almost six months therefore I will no longer idle around because of unemployment. I remember when I got outside my house , I saw my neighbor's celebrating too . In deed GiveDirectly enlighten our life in a bigger way that it will never know .
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer to buy an engine of my motorcycle that was faulty . I am glad that I have revived my bodaboda business which I transport people and goods from Bamba center to Mombasa town has been stabilized and its right on track. I bought a pair of oxen to use on cultivating my farm . I also bought food for the Christmas festive season with the remaining amount .
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
In June 2017, I bought a second hand motorbike to do transportation business since I had no reliable job to depend on. In April 2019, it developed engine problems and I was forced to remain jobless something that made me opt charcoal burning as the alternative source of income. The income from this job is of utmost $3 per sack and I usually sell 12 sacks per month which translates to $36 dollars. This income is very low and I have only managed to buy 12 goats with the aim of paying for my dowry but these have never been enough to facilitate my desire. My plan was to use $250 to install a new engine for my motorbike in order to restart my transportation job. I am also planning to use $380 to buy an ox and ox plough to help me upscaling my farming and the remaining amount will aid in buying more goats for rearing. This will assure me of a stable income and once the goats multiply, it will make me confident enough to get married, a dream that I have long wished.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest party of my day since it is at this time when I can relax from my busy day. Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours when I am working in the bush, a job that drains a lot of my energy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a reliable source of income has been my biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life. Currently, I am doing a charcoal burning business in order to bring food on my table, because my motorbike developed mechanical problems. This job is very tiresome and it is a hand mouth one since its income is inconsistent and sometimes I skip meals not to mention saving for dowry payment. This has really robbed my joy since I have turned to be a laughing stock in the community considering that my young brothers are married.
