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
53150 KES ($492 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?
My life has improved immensely upon receipt of the transfer. Precisely, I am leading a peaceful and satisfying life because I have managed to pay off all the debts I had. Initially, I was always worried that one of my creditors would ask for their dues any moment yet I had none to offer. Moreover, we are currently leading a higher living standard and my busineses have expanded because our profits has grown by over 20 percent. I am more than grateful to GiveDirectly for the support.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well by enlightening recipients before sending the transfers. This helps in ensuring that most of the money are not lost or wasted, instead, it encourages recipients to maximize thier transfers. However, GiveDirectly should speed up the enrollment processes to ensure all residents of a village receive thier transfers at the same time to minimize instances of theft or conflicts.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used 38,000 shillings of my second transfer on expanding my my mobile money (Mpesa) shop and hardware store. This is because I had yearned to expand my businesses but lacked sufficient capital. Also, I spent 15, 000 shillings on paying off some debt that had given me sleepless nights.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($502 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 2pm when my neighbors who happened to be my loyal customers came my Mpesa to withdraw. On checking my phone I realized that I had also received the GiveDirectly transfers and U was overwhelmed with joy and immediately informed my wife who was in class and she too was overjoyed.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is settlement of supplier debt and also settlement of rent arrears for my wife who's still in school. Initially, I used to rely on my business which was struggling but not anymore. The GD transfers also enabled me to celebrate my Christmas peacefully and joyfully and I can't be grateful enough to GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 27000 on settlement of a hardware supplier stock debt.The remainder was used as a deposit for another hardware stock order. This is because my hardware and Mpesa business are my main income sources. I also spent KES 15000 on settlement of rent arrears for my wife who's still in school which accrued due to Corona lockdown.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will enable me to elevate my living standards. I intend to spend $700 of my transfer to boost my hardware business in town. I will also spend $200 to clear school fees arrears for my wife in her final year in college. I will then spend the remaining $200 to buy a heifer cow that will multiply in the future, an assurance of surplus milk production for family consumption as well as some for sale.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I usually spend my day in my hardware business selling building materials to my clients. I am so passionate about this business since it is my main source of livelihood. My measure of success each day is in the evening when calculating my day's profit, hence this is the time I am most happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I engage in a hardware business in town. To start up this business one year ago, I applied for a loan of $3180 capital from my supplier. Since then, I have been able to repay $2180 hence he still owes me $1000. I usually spend 60% of my monthly profit repaying the debts. Through Give Directly funds however, I will soon be able to repay all debts after boosting my business hence I will be able to keep all my earnings to myself.
