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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($467 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?
My initial goal was to own livestock more so cows and goats which I am so thankful that I was able to accomplish. I knew I would achieve a lot from these domestic animals especially when they increase in number I will be in a position to sell some and cater to my family's needs. Therefore I will no longer strain like before whenever I experience any challenge.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
According to me, the organization did so well by giving out cash transfers in my region. This has improved the living standards of the neediest people in my village. Most of us now have decent houses, and own livestock like dairy cows, oxen, and goats. Also, we were able to send our children to school through financial support. I, therefore, have not heard or seen anything they have not done well
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 15000 of my second transfer on expanding my kiosk business since it was almost collapsing. I had to purchase more stock because this has been the major source of income that I depended on. I am glad that for now, I have been getting good returns therefore meeting my daily needs has never been a challenge. I also bought new bedding like a new wooden bed and mattress at a total cost of KES 8500. Initially, I used to sleep on the traditional beds made with ropes. I used to complain of back pain every morning as a result. Also, I bought clothes and new shoes for the kids and I'm glad that they do not have to borrow from their friends anymore, it was so embarrassing. Finally with the amount of money that had remained, in ought foodstuffs for the family and other household items.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($496 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 9 a.m, and I was at home, relaxing. When I saw an MPESA message notifying me that I had received KES 55,000, I couldn't believe my luck. My heart was so full of joy because I felt blessed.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since receiving this transfer from GiveDirectly, my life has transformed positively. I am a single mother and the sole provider for my family. I run a small shop to earn a living. Before receiving this transfer, however, I earned a profit of just KES 200, on a good day. This amount was not enough to cater for my family's basic needs of food, shelter and clothing. Once I received the cash transfer though, the situation improved a great deal. I was able to buy more goods for the business. This increased the sales and consequently the gross profit to KES 3,000 a day. I can now meet my family's needs. Thanks, GD!
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I run a small shop as my only source of income. The earnings from this, however, are too little to cater for food, shelter and clothing for my daughter and me. So I was happy to receive this transfer from GD. I invested KES 24,000 in buying more goods for the business, to increase the sales. I also spent KES 24,000 on buying three goats. I plan to sell these whenever I need money. Because it's important to have enough food for the household, I also spent KES 3,000 on a sack of maize. Finally, I spent KES 9,000 on a bed and mattress. We didn't have one before, so we slept on the floor. We now can sleep more comfortably.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving money means self employment and decent housing to me. It feels shameful to fully depend on my husband for everything. I am planning to use 20,000 Kenyan shillings to start a shop business here at home. I will be selling foodstuffs to my neighbors. The profit I will be getting will be used to sort some of our needs thus reducing the burden on my husband. I am also planning to use a total of 20,000 Kenyan shillings to construct a one bedroom house. 5,000 shillings will go into buying a mattress. For the past 1 year, I have been sleeping on a bed without a mattress. I will then use 20,000 Kenyan shillings to buy 5 goats. Goats are a source of wealth,once they multiply, I will sell some and earn money. Finally, I will save the remaining amount into a savings account. As my daughter grows, she will need money for her education.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning. Waking up healthy in the morning together with my 9 month old daughter is a blessing to me. This makes me very happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life is lack of money. I am jobless, together with my 9 month old daughter, depend on my husband. My husband works as a shopkeeper. The pay he gets is not enough to sustain all the family's needs. Sometimes we go to bed hungry due to lack of money to purchase food.
