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 ($441 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
For a long time now, I hoped to start a small business that will generate daily income for my family even though I have not gotten enough capital to invest. At the moment, I am making some savings that I believe will help in picking a suitable business that will consistently generate an income for my family of three.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Well-organized staff that gave us comprehensive information in the initial meeting before enrolment well executed GiveDirectly's work. The approach was friendly, with unique cash transfer support we had never experienced. Everyone can testify how helpful the support was and the freedom to spend in any way we saw fit made it even better for us. I have nothing to complain about but am always grateful for the huge steps I have taken to improve the living standard of my household.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 26000 of my second transfer on paying part of the cost of land that I am currently buying in the village. With my family of three, we have been living on my parents' land, and I could not construct a permanent structure since I will still need to move it. I am glad that after making the first deposit; I was allowed to start the construction of a kitchen structure worth KES 10000. I have a flexible payment scheme where I will be paying in bits to the end before fully moving into the new house. In addition, I have spent the remaining amount on foodstuff for my family, and also new pairs of clothes after clearing our old wardrobe.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($481 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was on the eighth at around 5 pm while at home relaxing. That's when I heard a message alert on my phone, on checking I confirmed to have received KES 55,000. I was very happy and decided to withdraw the money the following day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the purchase of my motorcycle. This has now become the main income source for my family. As a result, I am stress-free, and no longer do casual labor.
Furthermore, the transfers have enabled me to buy adequate food for my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used to work as a casual motorcycle taxi rider before the transfers. In a day, I could earn KES 150 per day which was used majorly for food purposes. This was quite disheartening because I had the riding skills but couldn't make any meaningful income out of it.
Therefore, when I received the transfers I decided to venture into self-employment. This is by the purchase of a motorcycle at KES 40,000 which is now the main source of income for my family.
In addition, I also bought two bags of maize at KES 7,000.farm.This will sustain us for the next 5 months hence reducing household expenditures. The money that would be meant for household expenses I have started saving towards starting a poultry and dairy farm as well.
Lastly, I bought the latest clothing fashion for my family at KES 7,000. This is has made us look decent unlike before when we could only afford second-hand clothes.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will mean a better house for my family. I live in a single room grass thatched house. My casual job of working as a security officer in a school earns me an average of KES3000 in a month. I use this amount to buy food for my family. I wanted to build my house but this amount is not enough to the construction. I am delighted to get this transfers from Givedirectly as it will enable me to build a better house. I intend to spend KES80000 to build my house and use the remaining to increase the stock of food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I got this casual job 3 months ago, and it is through this job that I have been able to meet our needs in the family. Initially we could depend on what my mother can offer to us. This was a big shame and I did not want to continue with the same. When I got the opportunity my family were also happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Currently my main challenge is staying together with my family. My casual job of being a security person does not give me humble time with my family. I usually spend the entire night outside home, and take time to sleep during the day. I would have wished that I start a different job that is flexible and can allow me to me to be with my family.
