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.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was a daily routine for me, where I was at my shop doing stock-taking when I heard my phone ringing, upon confirming I saw a Mpesa notification showing that I had received the promised transfers, words cannot explain the immense joy that I felt, it was the happiest day of my life, I then rushed to where my wife was and broke the good news to her, she was equally overjoyed, We knew that we would be able to accomplish the goals that we had, I am so happy for the support that brought so much joy and happiness to my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I was able to stock up my business with the transfer that I had received from GiveDirectly, I am optimistic that the sales would increase, thus the biggest difference in my daily life is that I am assured of earning an income daily, I am grateful for the support that lifted our lives to a higher level.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving my transfer, I prioritised investing it in my business so that it would attract more income, My wife is a shopkeeper and I am into buying and selling cows within and outside the village, thus I added more stock to the shop worth KES 20,000, secondly, I have five children and the house that we were living in was small, thus I used KES 30,000 in expanding the house, my children can comfortably study there, I was unable to construct one before due to financial constraints, I am grateful for the support that lifted my living standards.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I had a shop in a centre near my home but had to relocate the shop to my home because the space that I had rented was closed. Operating the shop from my home does not go well since few people can access it and tracking my money is difficult. Receiving this money will enable me to rent another space at the center and relocate the shop to allow me to run the shop well. I intend to expand the shop using KES 20000 of the money since the stock that I have is small.
What is the happiest part of your day?
After losing that space four months ago, I was able to relocate and operate it from my home. I was able to provide for the family through the returns that my business earned me and this made me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have a big family, 7 children, who need to eat, dress and go to school. I am unable to provide for all their needs with the small income that I earn from my shop. Financial constraint is the major challenge that I face.
