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 ($439 USD)
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 accomplished a lot of things with the support that I got from GiveDirectly, which I am satisfied with. Though my next move would be to build a house for my family, I plan to realise this goal by accumulating salon profit. It may take longer to realise it but I am optimistic that all will succeed.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly gave us financial freedom by allowing us to use the transfer to fit our needs. I was able to put up a hairdressing business, which would be a stable source of income for me. My village mate's living standards have been exhilarated tremendously. I did not witness things that were not done accordingly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Living in a family land was the only option that I had, I could not afford to purchase a parcel of land because of financial constraints since I used to work as a hairdresser where we would earn wages, unfortunately, when there was no work we would go home empty-handed. I am a single mother of one. When I received my first transfer, I used it to start my salon. It is a dream come true since for a year I could not initiate it due to financial constraints. Upon receiving my second transfer, I saw it fit to purchase a dairy cow worth $200. Secondly, I bought a parcel of land for $330. I was unable to acquire this before because of financial constraints. I am happy and contented to have secured the land that I have been longing to have all these years. I am grateful for the tremendous support that uplifted my living standards.
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?
Receiving the transfer from GiveDirectly was the best gift that came my way. This is because I used to work in the salon at the shopping centre, though the working environment was not conducive yet the pay was little. Upon receiving my initial transfer, I opted to start my salon where I used 20,000. I was unable to initiate the business before due to financial constraints. I used KES 25,000 in purchasing a dairy cow so has to reduce the cost of buying milk daily. I am so happy and grateful for the support that empowered me financially.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is that I was able to start my own business. l was unable to initiate before due to financial constraints. It is a dream come true, this is the beginning of financial freedom for me thus I am happy and excited. I am optimistic that with it I would be able to grow my business to a classy salon someday. I am grateful for the financial support that uplifted and empowered my life amazingly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The moment I received my transfer, I can vividly recall that it was early in the morning when I was busy with the farm work. Then suddenly, I heard my phone ringing, upon confirming who had texted me, I saw a Mpesa notification showing that I had received a sum of KES 55,000 from Segovia technology. I was happy and overwhelmed with joy. I then shared the good news with my mother and brother who were equally happy. I knew that I would be able to accomplish the goals that I had.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I was employed as a security officer in Nairobi in 2017, a job that I did until when Covid-19 struck and it came to an end. I came back home because I was unable to get another job and since then, I rely on casual jobs to get money. Receiving this money will be a relief to me because I will be able to set up a hair shop and a salon since it is a skill that I have. Owning this business will enable me to earn money for food and allow me to save some for my child's education.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have issues with my health and it does not allow me to do anything other than rest. I have been on and off hospital seeking treatment but for the last eight months, I have not had any issues and I am grateful for this since I can work and be able to take care of my child.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The lack of a source of income is the challenge that I am currently facing. I have not been able to get another job when the previous one ended and I have not been able to start a business because I do not have any capital. The amount that I earn from the casual jobs in salons around my home cannot enable me to save and start my own since I have other needs to meet such as buying food.
