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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($450 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 would like to open a cereal business. At the village whenever I want to cook beans or green grams I have to travel for three hours to the nearby town to get them. If I can the cereals close to then I will definetly make a profit.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am thankful because GiveDirectly calls us to check up on us after receiving the transfer. They talk to us in a calm manner which shows that they respect us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After I completed my high school education, my parents saved some money to take me to college. I studied hairdressing and after the course, I opened up a salon. At first, I was offering services that do not require electric appliances. After a year, I received the first transfer and stocked up my business with a blow dryer, a hair dryer, and a washing station. This has helped me generate more income because of the added services. The second transfer helped me buy a water tank at $35000. I started my second business, selling water and the rest of the money was spent on food. The two business helps me generate more income and save for my child who will soon start school.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($465 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
When I finally got the notification that I received the transaction I was at my place of business which is a salon I own. Just reading the message made me so excited because I thought it was the right time to send the money especially since I needed the funds to expand and grow my business.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The finds enabled me to finally fix my house which was something I had wanted for the longest but only failed since I lacked the finances. At the moment the roofing is now great and no longer allows the rain inside and not forgetting that through the money I was able to sustain my business and now I'm seeing great progress.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I decided to initially use the funds by purchasing a couple of items in order to fix my house. The roofing was all damaged and it was worse when it rained especially because everything became drenched inside the house as well. Therefore I used KES 30,000 and purchased twenty two pieces of iron sheets, nails and also used it to ensure I paid the labourer who helped me fix the roof. I also bought cement worth KES 800. Since the plan was also to ensure that I expanded my business, I took KES 20,000 and bought items for my salon which included hair oil and blow dryer just to mention a few. The remaining KES 5,000 I paid another labourer to help me in wiring my house so that I could finally have proper lighting through electricity.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a boost to my income. Iam a salonist by professional. I have intended to expand my salon business so that I can get more profit. Currently, I am earning KES 500 per day because I lack most of the equipment needed. Therefore, I plan to use KES 20000 to boost my business and will be assured of getting a profit of KES 1500 per day. Due to the drought situation in our area, I am also planning to use KES 30000 to buy a water tank (10,000 liters). This will enable me to store water for both commercial and domestic use, and I am assured of getting KES 500 per day.
What is the happiest part of your day?
On October(31st), my husband surprised me because it was my birthday. He brought me a cake, juice, and meat. This brought joy to me because I felt like we were meeting on the first time. I invited my friends and family members to celebrate that day. It was the first time in my life to celebrate such a day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Shortage of water is the biggest challenge that I am currently facing in my life. This is because of the ongoing drought in our area. It has been 3 years since we had ample rain and all the water pans we have been depending on have dried up. I buy 3 jerricans for water per day for KES 10 each. This is very costly to me since I have to buy food for my family of 2 daily.
