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 ($516 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I bought a second-hand motorbike which has now turned into my main source of income. I use the motorbike to ferry passengers at a fee within this locality and what I can say is that for me life has taken another turn ever since I bought the machine.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I think the money gave people various options to commit to which included but not limited to buying livestock, building houses and buying motorbikes.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent the cash on a number of items which included buying a new mattress and a new bed which my wife and I have since then been using to enjoy our nights. I also had the opportunity to pay the dowry to my in-laws, something that I have always wanted to do without much success. Whatever remained after the expenditures went into the purchase of food and water for the daily use by the community members.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($543 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
attach_money
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now have my own motorcycle. Previously I had been employed by a neighbor to provide taxi services in my home town and the income that I was getting was little.This is because at the end of the day I had to pay a fixed amount to the owner and take home whatever remains. This prompted me to purchase my own immediately GiveDirectly sent me the transfer. I am glad that I earn my own income through the motorcycle which enables me to meet the household expenses and other family basic needs like providing daily food.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I saw the message notification around 7 am in the morning. On checking its contents, I realized it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I was over excited since GiveDirectly had finally sent the first transfer they had promised.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent the whole of my first transfer on purchasing a motorcycle. I have been employed by a neighbor to provide for taxi services in our town, from which I was getting little income, thus having my own would greatly improve my earnings. Due to that reason I decided to purchase one after getting my first transfer so that I can employ myself. Currently that has been my source of income because the business is doing well with a good profit unlike when I was employed. I can now afford to provide the basic needs for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Having worked in a motorbike business for quite some years now, it has always been my greatest desired to own one. Working for someone is always tiresome and the returns are low since the owner requires a certain amount of money each day without fail. As such, I have already identified a second-hand motorbike which is still in good condition. This will double my daily earnings and am hopeful, it will be a huge relief to my family. For the rest of the transfers, I will invest in a goat-rearing business. This is my long term investment that will ensure my children get quality education. And that is what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening. As a motorbike rider, my biggest concern each morning is being able to meet my daily targets. With the scorching sun and rough terrain here, I always yearn for a rest, and this is what I get in plenty once am at home in the evening.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Unable to get financial support for my secondary education caused a lot of anguish and frustration in my life. My father whom we solely depended on died and the thought of living without him was unimaginable. We were forced to abandon our dreams of attaining higher levels of education. The only thing my mother was able to provide was the food of which it was barely enough for the six of us. Life situations forced everyone to fend for themselves, and that is where I found myself marrying at a younger stage of life, yet the responsibilities that came with it made the struggle severe. Luckily, Give directly has come through at the right time. I will ensure our livelihood is changed for the best.
