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
53010 KES ($403 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
At present, I am unable to pursue my goal of starting my salon due to financial limitations. However, I have devised a plan to make it a reality. My strategy involves saving a minimum of $30 from my monthly wages. I am confident that this approach will pave the way for a prosperous future for both myself and my children.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly's sessions offered in-depth explanations of how their program functions. We received a clear overview of the organization's payment methods as well as an understanding of their approach from the program's inception. Additionally, the session covered critical security measures that were put in place, significantly contributing to our overall sense of safety.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving my second transfer, I decided to put the money towards fulfilling a long-held dream of mine: renovating my house from mud to timber. However, this was a challenging goal to pursue in the past due to unreliable sources of income. My husband and I both work as hairdressers and have two children. With the $500 from the transfer, we were able to complete the renovation, and with the remaining $30, I purchased a blow-dry machine to use as an extra source of income since I don't currently own a shop. I am grateful for these accomplishments and feel happy and fulfilled.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($444 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt so much happy the moment I received money from GiveDirectly. I was at home that day going about our daily duties when I heard my phone ring. Upon checking, I confirmed that I had indeed been sent money by GiveDirectly. I knew that I was finally going to be able to buy a dairy cow- an investment that I had always wanted to do but which I could not do because of lack of money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The fact that I no longer buy milk is so satisfying. This has made me and my family very happy. I look forward to having more milk produce once the cow has its second calf. Right now the amount of milk produced is just enough to feed my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my first transfer, I used $300 to buy a dairy cow and used another $100 to revive a business that my husband used to run before. The remaining amount of money was used to buy basic household needs for my family that is still helping us as a family. I made a decision to invest the money in dairy since I saw this as an investment that would help me in the near future to meet other needs for my family. It also met the most immediate needs and that is provision of milk to my family- something that had remained scarce in my family for the longest time.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Cows are synonymous with our culture and you can hardly find anybody without one. The fact that I do not have any makes me feel incomplete. Milk is also a good source of protein especially to young children. I have two children who are less than 5-years of age and I am forced to buy them 2liters of milk every day for $1. Sometimes it is hard to afford this because I depend on my salon business which is dependent on me getting a customer. I desire to buy a dairy cow worth $400 to solve my current challenges of buying milk every day.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am happy when I get a customer seeking my salon services. Yesterday I got a call from my regular customer who sought to have a haircut and she paid me $3 at the end.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of financial stability is the main source of the challenges that my family is going through. My husband owns a barber shop at Kapkwen market while I have been employed to work in a salon. Because of the high cost of living, few customers are seeking our services and this injures our source of livelihoods. Like today I went to work in the morning and I have returned home empty handed because I could not get even a single customer. I have two children who require special diet like milk and many times we are not in a position to provide
