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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.
Stages:
 
Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Chengo's Profile
Chengo's family
Chengo
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Shopkeeper
faceAge:
77
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($348 USD)
access_time 9 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
By investing the transfers in my shops, I aim to increase my income to further support both my church and those in need. Without the responsibility of caring for my own young ones, my primary focus lies in utilizing my earnings to improve the lives and futures of others, striving to provide a better life for those in need.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has truly illuminated my life's purpose. I've longed to offer more assistance, but my businesses couldn't fully support this endeavor. With their support, I'm fulfilling my dream of aiding a greater number of people in need. Consequently, I sincerely hope they maintain their current programs unchanged and continue with their admirable efforts.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I allocated the entire $550 from my second transfer towards investing in my three shops, which significantly contribute to covering my personal expenses. With no young children to care for, I focus on supporting myself, my church, and aiding those in need. Helping the needy and my church gives me a great satisfaction and a purpose in life. Bringing aid to the needy and supporting my church not only brings me immense satisfaction but also grants me a profound sense of purpose in life.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($362 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was amidst my bustling day, attending to the steady stream of customers in my shop, when I received an MPESA message. With a swift glance, my eyes widened in delight—it was confirmation that the transfers had finally arrived. A surge of happiness washed over me, setting the tone for the day. I stood alone, contemplating the possibilities that this newfound financial boost could bring. Without hesitation, I decided to act swiftly. I made my way to the nearest withdrawal point and converted that message into tangible funds, brimming with potential. The shop awaited a fresh influx of goods, and so I embarked on a mission to restock and revitalize my business.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Even with a job to attend to, I felt a constant desire for improvement in my life. Since the transfers, however, I have witnessed a tangible transformation. The establishment of a welding business and the restocking of my shop stand as clear markers of progress. These transitions have significantly enhanced my life, offering both stability and newfound opportunities for growth. The sense of accomplishment and the promising prospects ahead make me confident that this positive trajectory will continue.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving the transfers brought a surge of relief and excitement, knowing it was a chance to fortify my life. With $380, I eagerly restocked my business, feeling a sense of hope as each shelf filled with potential. A portion, $164, was a heartfelt gesture to my house help, a token of gratitude for her unwavering support, carrying with it a sense of warmth and appreciation. Venturing into the welding business with the remaining funds filled me with both anticipation and nervous excitement. It was a step into the unknown, tinged with hope and ambition for a more secure future. Living alone, my shop was my lifeline, the foundation upon which my livelihood rested, and this new endeavor represented a potential avenue for growth and stability.
 
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I aim to see my business thriving well to earn more profit because our area lacks a reliable shop. I, therefore, intend to spend $400 of my money to boost my business and this will mean serving more customers. Currently, I make around $10, a profit that I estimate to increase after adding more goods. On the other hand, since I lack a helper at home, I wish to spend the remaining amount as a dowry because I intend to get married to have a confidant who will operate my business as well as take charge of the house. Achieving this will mean a better life for me and this is basically what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In May this year after having started my kiosk business, I decided to employ a worker who will be helping me doing some household chores as well as to operate my kiosk. This has relieved me from the stress of taking up all the responsibilities in my household. The worker has been so helpful and I can now feel so happy to find myself free from doing chores regarded to be for women in my community. Hence, this is basically what has brought me joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Eighteen years down the line since my wife passed away, has been a long journey of sorrow. This is because being a widower means assuming all the household chores. As a man, there are some roles like sweeping or cooking which are regarded to be for women in our community. Since I didn't want myself to be a laughing stock to people, I decided to employ a worker. This has equally been a stress to me because I am required to pay her $30 per month. Because my kiosk has not thrived well, getting this amount every month is a challenge and it means delaying her payment. Hence, I consider financial instability to be my biggest challenge.