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
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?
I would like to open a shop selling groceries such as vegetables and also on the same premises I would like to open a restaurant. With no rent expenses, this goal is achievable. I am saving some money to venture into this.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The decision to give us unconditional transfer was a well-thought-out plan, every household has a different problem. GiveDirectly has helped us and I am grateful.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a single parent with two children, I separated from my husband and went back to stay with my parents. It was embarrassing going back but with no land or house, there was nothing I could do. Receiving this money has enabled me to buy a piece of land and build a house. I now stay on my compound, I am no longer embarrassed about my situation.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
As I was watching the 7 pm news, my phone was on a charging system because it was out of power. At around 7.30 pm, one of the family members came to confirm if I had received my transfer from GiveDirectly since she had received hers. I jumped happily as if I had already seen the money message. I went for my phone and upon switching it on, the transfer message was the first one to pop into my phone. For a while, I thought I was dreaming after seeing the huge figure of KES 55000.00 and stayed quiet for some minutes. Thereafter, I gained my senses and rejoiced inwardly for getting the money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference that I can attest from this transfer is that initially getting some food was a challenge to my family because I used to rely on making and selling charcoal which was not a reliable business. As of now, I have an alternative source of income since I started a small business frying and selling groundnuts.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since I am a single mother staying at my biological parents' home, I desired to get my plot of land to construct a home so that my children could have a place to call home. When I withdrew the money, I first bought a one-acre piece of land which traded at KES 47000.00 though I paid a deposit of KES 35000.00. I decided not to pay the full amount at once so that I could remain with some amount to cater for other necessities. I also paid KES 2000.00 school fees for my two primary school boys so that they could not be sent home for either examination money or Parents-Teacher Association (PTA) funds. Thereafter, I started a business selling groundnuts which serves me as a source of income. Initially, I relied on making and selling charcoals which had so many challenges such as scarcity of trees, and during the rainy season, it was difficult to comfortably make the charcoals. For the remaining amount, I used it for food and purchasing personal effects.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will make me realize my dream of owning a place of my own. I separate with my husband over 3 years ago and I came back to my maternal home where I am currently living with my children. According to my culture, women cannot inherit land from their parents. I am living with a lot of fear because my brothers might force me to leave anytime with my children. I now plan to buy a small piece of land for around KES 30000 and then build a two-roomed house for KES 50000. This will not only give me a place to call my own but will also grant me peace of mind.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the month of November, I sold my cow for KES 14000. This brought joy to my life because at that time cows were dying due to the prolonged drought in our area. I was lucky my cow got a buyer. I used that money to buy 2 goats at cost of KES 4000 because goats survive better during the dry season. I also used the money to buy school uniforms for my son and other stationeries.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
It's now over 3 years since I separated with my husband. Raising my two children single-handedly is very tough. My biggest challenge currently is providing food for them and paying their school fees. I depend on small businesses like selling fast foods. This earns me as little as KES 100 - 150 per day which is very little to sustain all the family's needs.
