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
53150 KES ($469 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am planning to build a new lron- roofed kitchen because the one I have is old and has a grass thatched roof. I am also planning to pay high school fees for my kid who's almost clearing primary school.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does well to give money directly to individuals in order for them to make their own spending decisions.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of my recent transfer on starting a garage and stocked it for my husband who's a mechanic.This is because it will be a daily source of income for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($495 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received the transfer I felt so happy. I remember it was around 9.am. When I heard a ringtone message from my phone. I was taking care of my cows. When checked out the message I could not believe my eyes. It was a message confirming that I have received money from GiveDirectly. I immediately informed my spouse and children and they were so happy. I knew I would be able to start a business. This has always been my dream. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has changed my living standard.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have started two businesses. I used KES 35,000 to start a retail shop business and used 12,000 to start a second hand business. I had always wished to start a business but I didn't had the money. I depend on casual jobs in the village and small scale farming. This tow activities gives me small income. The money that I would get was so small and I was not able to save. When I received the transfer I felt so happy. Currently I have the business. I have devoted much of my time on this amazing work. I earn a profit everyday and I reinvest back to the business and save some. I am so happy because I able to meet the basic needs and other household items. GiveDirectly has changed our living standards.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 35,000 on starting a retail shop business. This has always been my dream and wished. This is now my source of income. I spent KES 12,000 on starting another new business of selling second hand clothes. This is my second score of income. The rest of the money I bought food and clothes for my children. I am so grateful for the support. It has enabled me own things that could have taken quite some time.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I had started a shoe business with a loan. This business collapsed last year due to covid, there was lockdown in most parts of the country especially Nairobi city where we purchased these second-hand shoes from Gikomba market. Receiving this money will enable me to offset the loan of $300 will allow me to revive my business with a capital of &500. I also want to buy a dairy cow because this cow will give me milk and this will be a source of nutritious food for my family. By the time my children will be in secondary schools this cow will have multiplied. Payment of school fees will not me a challenge for me because I shall be selling the calves.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am always happy in the morning when I wake up well and find that all my family members are in good health.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
There was a time in February ,2020 when I was hospitalized and operated on due to a growth in my small intestine. This was just before the invasion by this pandemic of the corona. I used my business savings to offset hospital bills and even had to shut down the business.This disease put my family in tough times because I am the breadwinner and I could not support them at that time.
