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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($525 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different from how it would have been had I not received the transfer because I have been able to start a business of buying and selling maize. Due to this, I have been able to cater for our daily basic needs on time. Also, this business has always kept me busy hence I have no time of worrying thinking of where to get money.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well by enrolling everyone and having no form if discrimination and I do not see anything that they did not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
When I received my second transfer, I spent part of it to start a business in my locality. I mainly deal with buying maize in bulk and selling them to people at our nearest shopping centre. Also, I spent some amount on food that would last us for some time. I still have some amount that I am intending to use in starting a maize shelling business.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($535 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have been able to have my own assets and my self esteem has greatly improved. I no longer look down upon myself but I feel proud that I too have assets that can be of great help to me now and even in the future. I feel so indebted to GiveDirectly for the support that they gave me and the difference they have brought in my life.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my transfers from GiveDirectly, I felt so happy. No amount of words can really express the kind of joy that I felt as at that time. I did not withdraw the money almost immediately like everyone else did in my village but I waited for like two weeks as I pondered on how best I was going to utilize the money to bring me maximum benefits.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I used KES 46000 to buy two dairy cows that are going to help me once they reproduce and start producing milk. I also used part of the remaining amount to buy poultry and the rest was used to buy a goat. These assets are going to help me in meeting my daily needs and other emergencies in future.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a small business owner. I have been operating a maize business for close to a year now. Upon receiving my first transfer I plan to invest a huge chunk of it to improve my business by restocking it. Profits accrued from this business will cater for a weekly contribution to a savings group(SACCO) of which I am a member.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I run a cereals business in a nearby shopping centre. Most of my customers visit my store in the evening. This is the time my business thrives, which makes me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Farming is a major source of food and income in my community. When we are faced with prolonged drought every year, crops wither and water pans dry up. Sometimes, livestock perish too. When this happen, we are forced to sell remaining animals for throwaway prices for survival. This is the biggest hardship I've faced in my life.
