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
53150 KES ($493 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Back in the day, I had a challenge in getting a reliable source of income for my family. Casual labour is want I have been doing which could not earn me reasonable income to raise the family. Through this transfer, I was able to actalize my dream of starting a motorbike taxi which earns me a living of 4 dollars every day. With this I am now able to cater for thee family's needs without a lot of struggle. In addition, I was able to construct a decent shelter with my first transfer because the house we had been was collapsing and pose a lot of risks to the family. Furthermore, I purchased proper beddings for the family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, I thank GiveDirectly for coming up this project of sending cash transfers. This has been the reason for the great improvement in our society. I do not see anything that it does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have wished to start a motorbike taxi business around my village so that I may have a reliable source on income for the family. After receiving my transfer, I bought a second hand motorbike for $370. I am working and earn an income of 4 dollars per day which I save in an account to help me in the future and to do other investments. I also purchase enough food for my family with the remaining amount which I have been using up to date.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($494 USD)
access_time almost 4 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I got a message on my very early in the morning. I was curious to know who could have sent me a message at that time. However, on checking, I realised it was an mpesa notification I had received my first transfer fro GiveDirectly. I felt happy and rejoiced with my children for this help.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Owning livestock has been my main aspiration since its one of the best income generating activity that we are practising in our poverty stricken region. I however did not own any livestock in my homestead because I could not afford to buy them. As at now, I am happy to have goats that I bought through the GiveDirectly transfer, which makes it to be the biggest difference in my daily life. My expectation is that they will reproduce and increase in number. I can sell the offspring to help me out in case of a financial need.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of the first transfer on buying goats to keep in my homestead. These are assets to me that I can readily rely on in case of a financial need as they multiply. I am also renovating my old house because its roof is dilapidated and leaking during rains. I bought some building materials which include iron sheets, nails and timber to rebuild the roof. I saved the remaining amount to help me in starting an income generating activity. I am planning to open a shop from which I will be getting some profits.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
"Receiving this transfer means means building a decent house. Currently, I am leaving in a house which is almost collapsing and leaks during rainy season. Due to financial challenges,I have failed to renovate it. I am planning to spend 60,000 shillings on constructing a new house. Further more I will spend the extra amount to purchase 1 acre shamba, to add on the small one whereby I will be able to plant food crops for my family."
What is the happiest part of your day?
"My happiest part of the day is in the morning. It is at this time when I give thanks to God for the protection and strength for me to be able to continue with my hustles.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
"Lack of reliable source of income has become my biggest hardship in life. I am a charcoal vendor and this job is tiresome and earns me 300 shillings per one sack. It takes a week for sack to be ready for sale. This money is not enough to cater for all my basic needs e.g food."
