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 ($459 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Yes, I developed new goals after getting the second transfer. If I manage to get money, I aim to buy a plot and built rental houses. After doing my research, I realized that the rental business never fails because the tenants are many compared to the houses to be rented.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did a commendable job of the unconditional transfer. Initially, I was only relying on tapping business but as of now, I am a proud owner of two dairy cows and a motorbike. I would not want GiveDirectly to do anything differently. The strategy it uses is well thought.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I got the second transfer, I bought 2 dairy cows for KES 32000.00. The aim is to get mild for sale and also for family use. For a while, I have been buying some milk for my children and after calculating, I realized it was very expensive. Selling the milk will be a source of income for the family. I also bought a secondhand motorbike for KES 70000.00. Since the remaining amount could not allow me to buy a second-hand motorbike, I added some savings which I had. This motorbike is for light transport business for income-generating purposes. Currently, I am a coconut wine tapper and this business is not catering to my family's needs. Therefore after tapping, I take my motorbike and start the transport business of ferrying people from one destination to the next for a price.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($482 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Like a normal day routine, I had gone to fetch water for home consumption. I received an MPESA text on my phone and with this came a huge wave of joy and happiness as it was unexpected. I withdrew the funds from my account the following morning and immediately put them to great use.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The funds gave me a major boost in business as I was able to purchase a motorbike that I use for business prospects to increase my income. I was also able to buy 2 milking cows that constantly produce milk for consumption on a daily basis.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the KSH 55000 received from GiveDirectly, I was able to purchase 2 milking cows each at KSH 14000 totalling to KSH 28000 which allowed me to daily get milk for basic consumption. I was also able to pay off some arrears of KSH 27000 which I had from acquiring a motorbike that I use for commercial purposes.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means raising my family well. I will use KES. 28,000 to buy a cow that will provide enough milk for my family(2 litres)and sell (8 litres at KES 35 per litre) to help in catering for daily family expenses.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I managed to buy two nannies and I know within 6 months they will give birth, this has brought joy and happiness to me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My child has recurrent pneumonia. I have taken him to the hospital three times but it only stops for one and a half a month and it re-emerges. I am the only breadwinner in the family and the money I get from tapping palm wine is not enough to settle both hospital bills and cater for other family basic needs.
