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
53150 KES ($489 USD)
access_time almost 3 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 than it would have been if I had never received my transfer because I started a goat rearing business with my transfer, I own 18 goats and I am so proud of my accomplishments, I used to sell charcoal before and the income was not good, In addition, we bought a second-hand motorbike for my husband to start a taxi business, I am so grateful for the support because we now have a reliable source of income both from the goat rearing business and the taxi, our living standards has improved courtesy of GiveDirectly, therefore, we are humbled.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly is a well-organised organization, they are respectful and value everyone's opinion, so far I have not witnessed anything that is not done well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 25,000 to purchase a second-hand motorbike for my husband so that he could start his own taxi business, In addition, I bought 10 goats worth KES 35,000, My life is now better because we have a reliable and sustainable source of income.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($511 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 9 AM when I was at my normal workplace when I heard my phone ringing. Without wasting time I decided to check who could be the sender of the message. I felt so happy after realizing it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I had anxiously been waiting for the money since I had a lot to accomplish
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life that I now have goats in my compound. This had always been my dream to own them for quite some time but I could not afford them becasue they were a bit expensive. I settled in buying them becaus enough of them I am assured of achieving a lot. Also, goats reproduce twice a year and the offsprings mature very fast as compared to other domestic animals. Also, their food is readily available and there is minimal supervision, therefore, I will no longer strain in taking care of them. My plan is when they mature, I will be selling the matured iffsings and save for my children's school fees. Also, I will exchange some of the goats since they multiply for a pair of oxen which will also be a help to me in my agricultural activities. Therefore I believe the future will be bright through the goats.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I sent part of my first transfer in buying livestock which includes seven goats at a total of KES 24500. These will serve as the assets that I will lean on in case of any financial crisis. I also bought some iron sheets to renovate my house since it was grass-thatched. During the winter season, we used to seek shelter from friends and some of my properties were badly damaged. Also, I aid the labor KES 6000. With tr remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for my family that would at least last us for two weeks.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
If there is one thing that makes me happy is seeing a lady with a job. Everytime I see female nurses it sparks the desire to see my girls in such positions one day. My ambition is to give them quality education and I will do the best to achieve my dreams. I will therefore use this transfer to purchase goats and a cow. This project will enable me to easily finance their education whenever I sell the produce. Besides I will replace my house's roof since it is leaking terribly.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning. I enjoy the energetic feeling before I embark on my duties that consume my energy. Also seeing my children happy as they leave for school gives me the strength to push on.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship is insufficient finances to take care of my family. My husband's job doesn't earn him much because it is quite competitive. To supplement our income, I burn charcoal but I don't produce much because the area is facing deforestation. We live on a budget of roughly 2000 shillings a month. In this regard I cannot provide enough food for the family and my children are always sent home from school due to accumulated fee arrears.
