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 over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Yes, my new goal is to boost my small shop business which I started with my first transfer. This is because I have few stocks and my customers are resorting to going to other shops to do shopping. This has resulted in less profit from my business. I had desired to boost it but I lacked adequate capital.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my second transfer to construct a modern iron-roofed house by purchasing the required building materials which included 60 building poles, This is because the house that I have is old and about to collapse. In addition, I used KES 3,000 to purchase enough food for the family 6 members since we are experiencing famine and drought in our area. I also saved the remaining amount to purchase iron sheets, timbers, and pay off labor charges.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in sending the cash to every household in our village. In addition, we were trained on how to spend the transfer wisely. I feel there is nothing that it did do well.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($491 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent almost all my transfer on replenishing my kiosk stock which cost a total of KES40000 because this is my only regular source of income and it was almost shutting down since it could not sustain itself as well as most of the basic comodities needed by my regular customers were missing. It used to make me so sad and stressed because I was torn between accepting the reality and close down its operations, and having faith and hope that it will be able to revive itself and continue. I am so happy now that my faith and hope won, and my kiosk is now full and all the basic comodities are available. I am so grateful and settled because I believe it will continue to earn me regular income and enable me address the challenges that I will face in the future.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference I can see in my life since I started receiving payments from GiveDirectly is the fact that I am now settled and stress-free. This is because I was able to address the challenges that was so pressing, which was my source of income almost closing down. I am now happier than before because I know that my source of income is stable and here to stay, thanks to GiveDirectly.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt so happy when I received the money because my local kiosk which is my only source of income was not reliable enough to enable me address the pressing challenges that I was facing. It was struggling to the point that it could not sustain itself, so I was very grateful and happy when I received the money from GiveDirectly because it was like a redemption for the kiosk and myself too.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I face in life is lack of money. My husband and I rely on the hotel business which earns us KES 200 per day which is not enough to cater for all our basic needs. Due to this, I have not been able to save enough money to build a bigger house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening. This is because I spend the whole day at my business and return home exhausted. This is the time I get quality time to rest with my family.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a spacious house for my family. Our current house is small being that I share it with my co-wife and our six children. The money we earn currently is about KES 200 per day, and so it is not sufficient to buy food and save for a house. lam planning to spend KES 60,000 to build a four-roomed house that is enough for a family of six members. The remaining transfer will help me to expand my hotel business
