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 ($430 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have a piece of land that I would like to build rental houses to increase my source of income. I have a child suffering from sickle cell anemia and getting his monthly medicine has been a challenge but with such an investment, I can manage the medical cost.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The staff I meet are kind and their work is top-notch. The questions are thorough, I enjoy talking to them via the phone and also when they visit.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I started a tailoring business with the first transfer, the business has been prospering so far. The second transfer has helped me stock more products. I get $10 a day which helps me buy food and pay for my children's school fees.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($463 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 7 pm when I was taking my evening meals while listening to some soothing music on my phone. Immediately, the music stopped due to an incoming message. I took the phone from the table to confirm what kind of message it was. Alas! I could not believe my eyes. For a while, I stopped eating to go through the message once again more keenly. This was the first transfer of KES 55000.00 from GiveDirectly. This message made my night and I slept a happy man because of the huge transfer into my account.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference that I can testify of GiveDirectly is that as of now my family has double income-generating activities. Since we already had a shop for selling foodstuff, GiveDirectly enables us to add more stock to the shop to make it more reliable as well as start a new tailoring business. I am very happy about the empowerment I received from GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
On the exact day I withdrew the money, I opted to buy a sewing machine because I am a tailor by profession but I did not have the working tools. Therefore, I bought both the sewing machine and some cloth materials both for sale and for sewing. These items cost me KES 25000.00. Thereafter, I agreed with my husband to take KES 10000.00 to add stock to our shop which he has been running for the family's upkeep. I also repaired a motorbike that my husband uses in picking goods from the wholesalers to our retail shop. For the few remaining amount, I bought food for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I took a tailoring and hairdressing course in college, I have the right knowledge to implement for my customers. I inspire to be self-employed and I thank God the right time has come. By receiving this money my goals will be accomplished. I intend to open a salon and a tailoring shop. Revenue from these two businesses will help me to provide for basic needs(food and clothes) for my family. I hope for a better tomorrow with these transfers.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My husband was employed as a shopper keeper, but in December he was rendered jobless. Being in a polygamous family feeding the family was tough. I thank God in March, we received a loan from Imarika bank and we open a small kiosk. Watching my husband running that business brings me joy and hope for a better tomorrow.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I was married as a second wife and this has always been a challenge for me. My spouse is a shopkeeper and he gets a profit of 300 KES per day which is insufficient for the two wives. I have to do other casual jobs like burning charcoal which is unfavorable to my health. I look older than my age due to the tough jobs I do every day to feed my family of three children. I feel stressed being in this marriage I regret the decision I made to be a second wife.
