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
55000 KES ($450 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My wife is a stay-at-home mum. she takes care of the home and my child. I would like to save some money and open a retail shop for her. Having an extra income that would help out with food and saving up for a rainy day would be of help to me. We talk a lot about the business and she loves the idea hopefully in 2023 that would be my next move.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has helped out in the village, and supporting me in my youthful period will help me save money. Educate my children without strain. It had upgraded us and we are thankful.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My parent could not take me to college after I graduated from high school. I stayed back home helping out on the father's farm. I craved to be independent so I convinced my fathers' friend to be renting out his motorbike and every day If I would manage to make $1 I would give him $0.8 and remain with $0.2. I started working at the age of twenty and did it for two years. Then come GiveDirectly transfer and I bought a second-hand motorbike for $400. While I was dropping off a customer at the nearby village I met a beautiful lady, courted her, and eventually convinced her to come stay with me. After a year we were blessed with a son who is now one year and a half. Our tradition dictates that we pay a dowry before marrying a woman and because I did not have money earlier we had no option but to stay together. I love her and when I received the second transfer I spent the second transfer of $450 to pay for her dowry and $10 to buy food for the family. I am now peaceful that she is legally my wife.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($474 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 early in the morning, about 9 a.m., and I was going to work because I was determined to find food for my family. We had gone without dinner as a family the night before, which concerned me because it was unpleasant to see my three children hungry. I was so happy when I received confirmation of my transfer that I decided to return home and tell my wife about it. We brainstormed ways to spend the transfer that would be most advantageous to our family. Out of the transfer, I was able to comfortably provide for my children. Thanks to GiveDirectly.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
With the transfer, I was able to buy a second-hand motorcycle. Since I bought a motorcycle, I have experienced a tremendous improvement in my living standard. My household's income has gone up and I can comfortably support my family. Having a motorcycle is therefore the biggest difference in my life. It is a real asset that will in the long run help me in raising additional income that can adequately support the family. As a result of increased income, I have begun to build up my savings purposefully for my children's education. I have also been able to conveniently buy a new set of clothes for my children. This was previously unthinkable.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Immediately after I received my transfer, I opted to spend KES 30,000 on buying a second-hand motorcycle. I am a motorcycle rider although I have been using someone's motorcycle from which I only manage to make about KES 300 per day. With my transfer, I have acquired a motorcycle from which I make KES 600 per day. I am glad that from it, I have experienced an increase in my monthly income. I also bought food and new clothes for my family. Due to my low level of income, I was unable to buy my children new and presentable clothes. Lastly, I have some little savings which I am planning to use to buy a sewing machine for my sister who is currently in college.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am an orphan and the first born in a family of 8 members. I did my form four examinations in 2019. Since then , I have never gone to college because of lack of funds. My young sister has also dropped out of college because of lack of fees. I work as a casual labourer and I earn KES 300 per day. This is little for the family to have their necessities met. When I receive this money, I will use KES 100000 to pay school fees for both my sister and I. My course cost KES 80000 while that of my sister cost KES 25000. The remaining money will be used for food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My uncle who lives in Malindi brought us shopping for our Christmas festivals last year 2021. We had last taken chapati at the previous Christmas festival in 2022. The family had the opportunity to enjoy their Christmas. The shopping brought happiness in my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The current challenge I am facing now is providing food for the family and also pay school fees. I work as a casual labourer and I earn very little per day. It's approximately KES 300. This is little for the family.
