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
53200 KES ($483 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?
I thank GiveDirectly that I was able to benefit from this program. With the first transfers I bought livestock (1 cow and 2 goats) and with the second transfer I hired a farming land. These two projects wouldn't have been manageable if it weren't for your assistance and for this, my family and I are so happy.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly is doing a very great job of helping Kenyans like us who are low income earners. We are glad that you chose to give a helping hand to us. With these funds that we receive, we're able to build houses, buy livestock and also start businesses to keep us going.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the second transfer that I received, I was able to rent/hire a fertile land for farming. I wanted a change of environment to do my farming, thus I decided to hire a different location. I have grown maize and beans which are coming up so well, and I'm hoping to get a good produce from there. I will sale the produce and also use some for food in my house with my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($509 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home when I heard of a message alert, on checking my phone I saw a Mpesa message from GiveDirectly, I was so happy that I called my mother to inform her of the good news, She too had received the transfer. We were all filled with Joy.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My life is different now in that I am self-employed because I bought a Motorbike with my transfer which I believe will be a reliable source of income, I also started a goat rearing business which I am hopeful that I will get good returns in future. I am a graduate of the national youth service but unemployed, I believe that with this support my living standards will improve. I am so grateful for the support.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my transfer, I bought a motorcycle so has to employ myself , I graduated from the National youth service but I am still unemployed, I had a passion too for the goat rearing business and this was my only chance, therefore, I bought two young goats and I am hopeful that in future I will get a profit out of it.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have been operating my brother's motorcycle taxi for the last 3 years where I make an average of $4 per day after paying him off. I would make much more if I had a motorbike of my own. Receiving this money is an open door towards self employment. Using my first transfer, I will spend $400 to deposit and acquire a new motorcycle and pay the rest in installment from the profits i make daily. Part of the profits I make from this taxi business will go into a savings which I will invest in livestock. I am grateful to GiveDirectly.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am a daily motorbike taxi operator making an average of $4 a day. Monday is usually my happiest day. It is a market day in a nearby town where I come in handy in transporting commodities such as maize, beans, horticulture, clothes, poultry and ferry people. This day excites me as I make up to $20 as profit.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
When I joined the National Youth Service(NYS) training in 2019, I had envisaged to pursue a course in plant operation upon completion. The novel corona virus pandemic hit the country soon after completion and we had to disperse and come back home. Consequently, my hopes of enrolling in a course of my dreams was never to be, till date. I am hopeless now as the NYS training I have on its own cannot secure me employment.
