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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 > Agnes's Profile
Agnes's family
Agnes
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
38
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($369 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming year, I have a hopeful vision for the expansion of my shop business. I aspire to see my profits multiply and plan to take a significant step by expanding into the wholesale business. This strategic move will not only diversify my business but also bring greater opportunities for growth. To finance this expansion, I intend to use the profits generated from the business itself, allowing it to self-fund its growth. Additionally, I plan to leverage my existing assets, such as selling the goats, to raise $1000 as capital for this expansion. My ultimate goal is to achieve financial stability for my family of seven. I believe that by growing my business and exploring new avenues, we can create a more secure and prosperous future.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am truly elated by the impact of unconditional cash transfers, which empower families to make informed decisions about how to improve their lives. In my own family of seven, these transfers have brought about meaningful change, providing us with shelter and the means to initiate a sustainable business. The support from GiveDirectly has been invaluable, and I wholeheartedly believe that nothing needs to change about their approach. Everything is working wonderfully, and I am grateful for the positive impact they continue to bring to those in need.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my transfers, it was a turning point in my life. I used all the funds to construct a 3-room house for myself and my two daughters. Previously, we lived in a cramped one-room house, which had become increasingly inadequate as my girls grew up. The lack of privacy and space had been a significant challenge, and I had longed to provide my family with a more suitable living environment. However, financial constraints had held me back from realizing this dream, as my family of seven relies on my shop business as our primary source of income. But with the support from the transfers, I was finally able to address our housing situation. The completion of the 3-room house has uplifted our lives significantly. We now have a decent shelter that offers the privacy and space we desperately needed. This change has brought a sense of comfort and security to our family, and I am grateful for the positive transformation that the transfers have facilitated in our lives.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($387 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
As the church service reached its peak at 10 a.m., a feeling of excitement and disbelief washed over me as I checked my phone and discovered that I had received my first unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. A surge of joy filled my heart, and I couldn't contain my smile. With this unexpected financial support, I knew I had the opportunity to turn my dreams into reality and strengthen my struggling retail shop business. Grateful tears welled up in my eyes as I envisioned the possibilities that lay ahead: restocking inventory, expanding the shop, and providing better services to my customers. This unexpected gift not only brought hope for a brighter future but also reinforced my faith.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference lies in my retail shop business, which has seen a remarkable boost, allowing me to pay fees with ease and even enjoy daily meals from the profits I earn. The weight of financial stress has been lifted off my shoulders, and I now lead a healthier, happier life with peace of mind. Gone are the days when my children were sent home from school due to unpaid fees, as now they can pursue their education without hindrance. GiveDirectly's support has brought stability, security, and a promising future for me and my family, and for that, I am forever grateful.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Being a single mother to four children has never been easy, but the recent unconditional cash transfer has been a game-changer for us. With a determined spirit, I decided to invest a significant portion of the money—nearly $300—in my small kiosk business. The impact was almost immediate; my daily profits jumped from a mere $20 to a substantial $50. This increase not only allows me to provide for my family's needs with greater ease but also gives me a sense of empowerment and control over our future. Aside from that, I made sure my daughter's education was a top priority. I used 10,000 KES to pay for my daughter's school fees, ensuring she continues her education without interruption. She's currently in Form 2, and this investment is setting the foundation for her future success. Moreover, I made a strategic decision to diversify our assets by purchasing two goats for $90. These goats not only act as a safety net for emergencies but also as future resources to help cover unexpected expenses and school fees. Finally, I ensured that my family's immediate needs were met by buying enough food. As the sole breadwinner, I find immense pride in knowing that I can provide my children with the essentials they need for a healthier and more secure life.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I am a single mother living with my four children and I do shop business. The business runs with a capital of $80 and I make a profit of approximately $24 per month. The market is good with less competition since the next shop is at a distance of 10Km. I will use $500 to add stock to my business and I intend to make a profit of $100 per month. I have lived as a squater for five years and happy enough I bought one acre piece of land last year. I intend to use $700 to build a two room house for the family so that we can settle. Currently I can not do any development projects on owners land.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My daughter schools at Mogra Academy Nairobi. Since form one she has been performing poorly getting grade D in her exams. She is now in form so last term she got grade C- . That was a great improvement and I felt happy that she is now getting to the right track. I believe at the end of the year she will do better in her final examination.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food scarcity is the challenge I am currently facing with my family. I have a shop kiosk selling shop items on small scale. The business is down such that I can spend the whole day without selling anything. I depend on the profit for family consumption but when the contrary happen then the family goes without food. This has happened more often.