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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($494 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Our lives changed for the betterment after receipt of the transfer. Currently, we lead a more satisfying lifestyle as a family because we have more income for purchasing sufficient food and making some savings unlike before. Before receiving this transfer, I had made no savings since the little profits I could attain from my business were barely enough to meet our basic needs. With the current savings, I am more optimistic of a bright future where we shall have substantial funds for fending for our family and educating my children among other demands.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well by enlightening the community before sending the transfers. This helps in preparing the recipients in readiness for the financial aid. I find nothing that GiveDirectly doesn't do well. I wish it keeps the same spirit.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent all the second transfer (53, 000 shillings) on expanding my business - I am running a motorcycle spare parts store. I prioritized acquiring more stock since I was not enjoying any reasonable profit from the initially low stock I had.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was taking lunch at work when my phone beeped. I was very happy when I saw that it was the GiveDirectly transfer and I immediately called my husband to tell him about it. He was so excited that he even wanted us to go buy more items for the business at that time but I convinced him that we could go the next day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My customers used to ask for some spares and I did not have them. When I received the transfer, I decided to buy those things that were not available in my shop and were on high demand. Right now am happy that my business has expanded and my customers get everything they want from my shop.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I bought more things for a business that I have where I sell motorcycle spares and bought clothes, mattress and a few utensils for my household.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am running a small business currently where am selling household goods to my neighbors for a small profit from my main house. I started this business with USD. 10 which I got from my husband. Initially we were relying so much on his income which was not enough to take care of the family. With these transfers I'd like to build a small shop outside my compound so that it can be easily accessible to my customers and also stock it with a variety of products. With that I would have helped my neighbors to access household goods at a nearby location while at the same time my profits will rise.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I usually wake up at 5 a.m in the morning to open my gate for customers who come to purchase goods from my business. Then around 9 a.m I rush to the market to get products for my business then I return by 11 a.m. The happiest part of my day then comes at around midday since by this time I'm done with the most challenging things I have to do for my business to continue.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I faced the biggest hardship in my life between the years 2009 and 2016 because then my husband did not have any income and at the same time we did not have land to cultivate. We couldn't afford to feed our children and we depended on our neighbors to give us food. Sometimes we could sleep hungry and our health was really affected.
