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
53075 KES ($530 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is really different unlike before receiving the transfers. Receiving the transfers was a turning point in my life, It was the beginning of greatness. I bought a motorcycle using the cash and it is a decision that I have never regretted. I got self-employed unlike earlier on when I was just an idler. The proceeds from the motorcycle business have also enabled my family and I to live a good life. We eat, clothe and get other basic needs unlike before.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does well through empowering people. Giving people cash has enabled them to do income generating projects.
GiveDirectly should ensure that they keep up the good work they are doing.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent KES 20,000 of the transfer to buy a motorbike after topping up with the KES 40000 from the first transfer. I spent KES 4500 on paying school fees and bought my children and wife clothes worth KES 10,000. The remaining amount of KES 15000 went to my savings.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($545 USD)
access_time 6 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am happier than before. This is because I am able to meet the daily basic needs with less strain unlike before. I used to strain to meet our basic needs due to recurrent repair expenses with my old motorbike taxi which would swallow the day's revenue. I used to even go negative and have nothing to take home end of day yet I am the breadwinner. Since I got the new motorbike taxi I am happy. No repair woes hence consistent income to carry back home a meal to my family end of day.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was happy to receive the funds from GiveDirectly, it was 5.20 AM to be precise. I was surprised because when I heard the phone ring, I thought it was a client texting me to take them somewhere but I was pleasantly surprised to notice that GD had sent me the cash. I had been patient when my neighbors received their funds a month earlier; I had the assurance that GD will also send me as they did my neighbors. I am thankful for the transfer
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent the first transfer that I received from GiveDirectly on a motorbike taxi. I am grateful to have received the funds because I was using an old worn out motorbike for taxi. I now use the new one to generate income and it generates more because it can cover longer distance than the old one. It has also saved me repair expenses that I used to incur with the old one. I bought some maize too for my family for consumption because we needed it.
Enrolled
access_time over 6 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money is a great news to me, I am now happy and I will spend my first transfer to buy a dairy cow.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is the evening, this is the time when i come home from work and all my family members are happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in my life is that I am a motorcycle rider and many people are now in the business and at times I come home with little money hence not able to provide basic needs for my family.
