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.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Ever since I started receiving my transfers from GD, I have seen a positive improvement in business. The sales have increased, I have a semi-permanent business premise and the profits have increased as a result of an increase in the stock I have. Every month as I receive my transfers, I always use part of it to boost the business by adding more stock. I know very soon I will get to a point where I have to rent a permanent business premise. I will soon achieve my goal of having a stable source of income in the business.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life?
Currently, my new goal is to save my transfers. As we are going to face uncertainty during this time of Coronavirus pandemic, I would want to have savings which will sustain my family as we take care of ourselves. I would want to keep my family and not expose anyone to the virus as guided by the Government. This is why I have decided to save to ensure my family are provided for during this time.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer on boosting my shoe business by buying more stock to the business. This has been my norm every time I receive my transfers as a way of securing my future. I also used part of the transfer on savings for future use when I have the need or emergency. The rest of the transfer I used on buying food to boost up the stock we had left in the house. I have realised buying food in bulk once a month is cost-effective and helps manage my fiances well in the month.
8th Payment
Transfer Amount
5000 KES ($49 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Before I started receiving these transfers, I did not have any stable source of income and only depended on irregular casual jobs that were mostly unavailable. Living by the little income I had was very tough since I have a family that depends on me. When I started receiving the transfers, I started a second-hand shoe business to supplement my daily income which has so far proven to be the best investment I have ever made because I make good profits that can support my daily budget even when I am not lucky enough to come by any casual jobs. This has also allowed me to make savings for any future plans or emergencies which could never happen before.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life?
With my current shoe business doing better than I ever expected, I have plans of expanding it by opening another sales point that can be run by my wife who is currently jobless. I have different jobs that I depend on, but the business is the major one among them and I hope that someday I can completely depend on it and quit the other side hustles that I have. This can however only be possible after I open my wife another place of her own so that I can manage the current shop. This will also bring us more income as a family and enable us to easily take care of our needs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have a business selling second-hand shoes which I previously did by the roadside in the open air. It was tough working in such an environment because of the fluctuating weather conditions that interrupted the business, especially when it rained and I had to close up for the day. This is why I decided to use most of the money I recently received to buy construction materials that were used in the construction of a secure structure where I can now sell the shoes through all weather conditions without any interruptions. I spent the money I had left on foodstuff and other household needs.
4th Payment
Transfer Amount
5000 KES ($50 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Do you have any new goals that you didn't have before receiving the transfer?
My goal now that I have started receiving the money is to expand my business. I will continue doing my casual work at the construction site until around three o'clock in the evening and open my business afterward. This will help me earn more income daily which I will be able to use in supporting my family needs. I am planning to leave the construction work when my business is stable so that I can concentrate on it more. I will also be saving some money which I will later use on my children's education.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving payments from GiveDirectly in that I have been able to start my own business unlike. I do this business in the evening hours after completing my work at the construction sites. Currently, I take this as my alternative source of income as I no longer depend on casual work alone to get money. This has enabled me to earn more income on a daily basis.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I started a business of selling second-hand clothes and shoes in the evening after receiving my first transfers. When I received my most recent transfer, I spent part of it to buy some iron sheets and timber which I am planning to use in building a structure where I will be selling my goods from. I spent the remaining amount to pay a deposit for the premise where I am intending to be carrying out my business in.
Describe the moment when you started receiving transfers. How did you feel?
I was filled with joy the moment I started receiving my money. This is because other people had received theirs and I had not. This money gave me hopes that my enrolment stages were successful as we were told during the registration stage that it is not everybody who will receive this money.
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
My first priority will go towards starting my new business in the transport industry by buying a motor cycle. This is a lucrative business idea to venture in that provides sufficient income for myself which will enable me grow in life and be able to carter for my family needs adequately. Secondly, I will pay school for my daughter so that I can offer them a chance at education that will help her gain a platform and skills for her to use to make a better life for herself in the future. Lastly, I will use part of this money to take care of my rent. This is my responsibility and I just want to the conflicts with my landlord over rent delays and constantly locking my house
Describe your biggest worry.
My top concern is accidents especially road accidents because am always on the road hustling for my tomorrow maybe on foot or even in a public transportation vehicles. Accidents in Kenya have become the order of the day and most drivers get away with it because of their reckless driving. It is never a guarantee that if I leave my house in the morning I will be back come dawn. Its a fear I have because I am all my family relies upon.
What are your greatest ambitions?
My dream ambition is being a successful businessman. I want to open up various businesses through the foundation of my motorcycle business that will make me achieve high living standards and just head a comfortable life where i lack nothing and am notbstruggling to meet my needs and that of my family. I would also love to be in a position where I can help out those in need from the slum area as a way of giving back to my community.
Describe your usual day. How do you spend your time?
When I wake up in the morning, I first say a prayer to the Almighty, clean my face, take breakfast then head out to find a job. My job is working in the construction industry which has so many uncertanities hence not always am lucky to get a job. When it comes my way, I work if it doesn't I go back home and relax to wait for the next day and try out my luck. In my free time, I love going to the field at Mathare 4A primary school to watch football matches.
