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 ($496 USD)
access_time 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 is currently different from how it would have been had I not received the transfer in that my income has improved. I nolonger hire motorcycle for my business because I was able to purchase my own motorbike. I am also hopeful that soon I will construct rental houses in the piece of land that I bought within our shopping center. This will also earn me mlre income that will enable me to improve my family's living standards.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Give Directly does well by giving people cash and let them decide on how to spend it. This has enabled most people to improve their lives. On the other hand, I would urge Give Directly to continue helping the needy.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent the recent transfer on a second hand motorcycle that I have always longed for owning. I run a grocery shop and supply the groceries too. Since I did not have my own means of transport, I had to hire motorcycle for the supplies. Now that I have a motorcycle, my income will improve since I will not share the profit.
I had also bought a piece of land but did not clear paying for it. I, therfore, completed the payments with part of the second transfer. Since it is within the shopping center, I am planning to construct some rental houses which will also be an additional source of income.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was in the house at around 1000Hrs in the morning, when I heard a message come into my phone. When I checked my phone, it was the Mpesa message for the transfers and I was very very happy. I am so grateful.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I was able to purchase and own my very own piece of land, that I intend to use it to develop rental houses.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfers to purchase a piece of land that I intend to develop for rentals. I have had this project in mind for a very long time but I had no where to find the finances that would enable me to buy a piece of land. When I received the transfers, I knew this was where I would utilise most of the transfers, so that I can finally achieve this dream. I am a casual laborer, while my wife is a housewife. We have six children who all depend on my casual engagements, which can also be unreliable to come by at times. I am very grateful to GiveDirectly as I am now a step ahead to achieving my dream of owning rental houses.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My ambition has to practice livestock keeping but due to financial challenges this dream has never materialized. I am planning to spend 60,000 shillings of the transfer to purchase 3 oxen and an ox plough . This will generate income my family because I will hiring out to other people to cultivate their land during rainy seasons.In 1 acre, I can make at least 2000 shillings. This money is going to sustain my family needs such as food and school fees. Other than that,I will spend the remaining amount to clear school fees for my child who is in high school.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is my happiest part of the day. It is at this time when I have time to rest after a long day of doing casual jobs such as mining which is energy draining.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a good source of income is my biggest challenge. I am a casual laborer who works in a mining site within our village. In a week I can earn 2000 shillings, but it is not guaranteed. Sometimes it can take two months without customers shopping up.
