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 5.30pm while on my motorcycle business when I took out my phone to call on a client who had sent me when I saw KES55000 from GiveDirectly. I was very happy because I was eagerly expecting the money and this motivated me to work harder in my job.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is reduction of my motorcycle loan for the next three months and this has motivated me to work harder in order to clear the remaining loan. I am also happy because I have furnished my house with decent furniture which are more comfortable as compared to the local made benches I had before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES30000 on a repayment of a motorcycle loan for the next three months. This has enabled me to work harder in my work in order to clear the loan before it's due time. I also spent KES10000 on furniture, and beddings and KES 8000 on motorcycle spare parts.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I bought a motorbike 4 months ago on loan and I was able to deposit an amount of KES 15000 out of the KES 118000 required. I, therefore, plan to use KES 20000 of my transfer to reduce the debt. I will then spend KES 25000 to build a spacious 2-roomed iron-roofed house since I plan to marry and start up a family next year, hence the need for a more spacious house. my job as a motorcycle taxi driver is less paying, hence I will use all my KES 50000 second transfer as capital to initiate a business of buying milk from the neighborhood and selling at a profitable price to the milk cooperative. Engaging in these two income-generating activities will ensure improved income for my household.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I completed my high school education in the year 2015 and since then, I used to engage in casual jobs on people's farms to earn a living. I have always aspired to be self-employed and this desire came to actuality in June this year. One of my close friends lent me KES 15000 which I deposited in a motorcycle loaning company and got myself a Bajaj Boxer motorbike which goes for KES 118000. Even though I am still in debt, I am so grateful for this answered prayer, since I feel more empowered after acquiring my motorcycle which is my daily source of income.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am a motorcycle taxi motorist and my job entails transporting my clients, as well as several other goods to various destinations for pay. I bought my motorcycle on loan and the loaning company's terms and conditions dictate that I pay KES 370 per day for a year. At the end of the payment contract period as per the agreement, I will have paid a total of KES 200000. I usually earn an average of KES 700 daily. The greatest challenge I face therefore is toiling hard on the roads and at the end of the day splitting my daily earnings to pay the debt and the remaining KES 250 to fuel my motorcycle and set aside at least KES 70 for my personal needs. This amount can not sufficiently sustain my needs, more so food.
