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.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well by giving us cash transfers. Most people including me were able to improve their businesses while some improved their houses and others have spent on school fees for their children. I have no complaints about the organization.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used KES 2000 of the second transfer to restock my tailoring business. It has been my main source of income but due to the current famine which led to an increase in food prices, the business flopped and in most cases, I could on sew but had no fabric materials to sew. I am glad I have seen great improvements since then. KES 1000 I spent on some foodstuffs that can push my family for a while.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
At the moment I received my transfer, I felt so excited because I least expected any money on that day. Although I was longing to add some stock in my shop, unfortunately I did not have any cash to execute that plan. That had made it always gloomy in the previous days because I was always struggling to support my family as a result of low income from the business. Certainly, the transfer played a key role in changing the outlook of my business.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Being able to revive my tailoring business is the biggest difference in my life. Prior to receiving the transfer, there were inadequate stock in my shop that I could sell to my customers. Consequently, the number of clients seeking my services had drastically gone down. This made life hard and unbearable to my family. Much appreciation to GiveDirectly for coming to my aid in time.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Basically, I have been doing a tailoring business for a couple of years. However, since the beginning of this year, costs for materials have been high thus I have not been able to restock my tailoring shop. Immediately I received my transfer, I opted to buy tailoring materials. Since then, my tailoring business has picked up and I averagely generate a profit of KES 300 daily. I am so grateful to GiveDirectly for its financial support.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My plan is to buy building materials to expand my house when I receive this money. I am a polygamous man and my family is growing bigger. I only have two rooms in the main house. I would like to add two more rooms. I will start by buying building materials with the first transfer of 3,000 KES.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I own a tailor shop at a nearby shopping center. It has not been doing well but last month(December), I had a reason to smile. I made double sales due to the festivities and school uniforms for children resuming school at the beginning of the year. This brought me joy because it was a good way to end such a tough year.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I used to depend on crop and livestock farming a lot as a my main source of income. It has been a disappointment for me in the last few years because of little rainfall that we have been experiencing in this region. I used to farm up to 4 acres of maize and peas. I lost 5 goats last year due to the drought. I have not recovered financially since then.
