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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3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
50000 KES ($495 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Currently, my children are able to go to school without any school fee arrears unlike before when they would be sent home regularly for fees. At the same time, I can pay for my bills without challenges because of the added profit from my retail shop business. This is because I used part of my transfer to boost the business and the profit is helping to cater to their needs well. This is how different my life is from the way it would have been had I not received the transfer.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life?
I have skills in hairdressing but I haven't been able to set up a place for hairdressing business because it costs much. Currently, I have an additional goal of saving money for purchasing all the equipment that I'll require to start a salon business and rent premises for the business.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving the third transfer, I moved to a bigger decent house which I'm currently using to run business and at the same time stay in it. I used part of the third transfer to pay for a two months house rent and to cater for transport to the new place. A portion of the money I used to boost my retails shop business by adding a variety of stock to the business. A portion of the money I used to purchase foodstuff and detergent for my household use. I also paid a debt with part of the money which I had obtained from our table banking group to help me pay my children's school fees arrears.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
36800 KES ($365 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life has really changed, previously I used to hustle to make ends meet. On some months, my landlord could look me out due to lateness in paying my rent. My children were ever on transit from school to home due to fee arrears. This has changed now that I have a steady income I can comfortably settle my bills and even get enough amount to save for future investments in the near future.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life?
Currently, I am looking forward to starting a saloon to be able to increase my daily income. With a saloon, I can use my talent as a trained beauty consultant to generate more income.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the recent transfers, I started a second-hand clothes business. This has been my dream but I had lacked resources to start it up. With the business, I am able to generate income for use at home and also to meet other bills accrued from my business.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($200 USD)
access_time almost 6 years ago
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Do you have any new goals that you didn't have before receiving the transfer?
My new goal is to start a foodstuff business. This will improve on my income to help me support my family and provide for their needs in time. I no longer want to beg and borrow anymore as I used to. It is the borrowing and begging that has caused stagnation in my financial life.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The fact that I was able to pay fees arrears for my daughter who had been sent home, really brought a lot of peace in me. This was my biggest worry because I did not know where I would get the money to settle the balance. As a parent, I am obligated to ensure I give my children education and at this point, I was failing. When I received the money and paid, I felt like a burden had been taken away from me.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer on paying school fees for my daughter who is in secondary school. She had been sent home for the same and had stayed at home for two weeks because I did not have the money to pay. I also paid rent with part of the transfer, did some household shopping for my family and used the remaining part to pay back a loan I got from my group to buy school requirements for my day
Describe the moment when you started receiving transfers. How did you feel?
I felt like God had answered my prayers. I was so much relieved and looked at my daughter and smiled because I knew she was going back to school to study.
Enrolled
access_time 6 years ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
My first priority is to boost my salon business in Kiamutisya Village, Mlango kubwa Mathare. I am well known, and the population is high providing a ready market for my business. Secondly, I will support my daughter's education by paying her school fees. Education is the best gift a parent can give to a child, she will be completing high school next year and I want the best for her in future. Lastly, I will buy food for my family and pay rent for my house.
Describe your biggest worry.
My top concern is lack of a stable source of income because I will have a lot of problems in my life. I will be unable to pay rent and result to being thrown out by the landlord. I may not be able to pay school fees for my children which can lead to dropping out of school. I may result to beg or be forced to go upcountry, because I will not be able to sustain my daily needs and my children may get involved in drug abuse or engage in criminal activities.
What are your greatest ambitions?
I would want to be a successful business woman in future. I will want to invest in selling hand bags, jewellery's and utensils by importing from all over the world and selling in our local market. The demand is high because of the population providing a ready market for my business. I will be able to transform my life and that of my children up keep by moving out of mathare slum. I will be able to buy land and own my home.
Describe your usual day. How do you spend your time?
My usual day starts at 5:00am when I wake up early in the morning. I normally pray and give thanks to God for having a new day and good health. I then prepare breakfast for my family, wash utensils then arrange the house after the children have left for school. I leave for my work place by 8:30am where I have rented a shop for my salon business until evening at 8:00pm. I return back in my house, prepare supper for my family and then I retire to bed. In my free time I like attending church seminars or launch hour prayer meetings in our church, Loving Concern Ministry in my area. I also relax at home, watching movies or listening to music.
