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
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My tailoring business is at my compound and my goal is to rent out a place out of my compound, stock up, and increase my sources of income. My other goal is to start training tailoring at a fee
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I like it when I get visits from the organization, it shows that they care for me. During our first encounter, they introduced the organization well, I got to learn a lot and up to now I use the teaching daily. The other thing I do think that the organization is not doing well is, the phone they give me is faulty, I received mine but the buttons were not working and I have been struggling to use it.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I started a business of tailoring five years ago. The business only does well during the festive season. On normal day, I get $3. This money is not enough to cater to my family's needs. I only buy food as my husband supports the rest of the bills such as school fees for my two children and pays for water. The drought season has been challenging and food has been expensive most days my family only take one meal a day to survive the day. Receiving this transfer has helped me buy two new machines that will help me increase my productivity at a faster rate, Install electricity at my compound, and buy a goat that would be providing milk for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 6.30am while I was busy preparing supper for my family when I heard a message tone from my phone. I took my phone from the top of a jerican where I had place it. Upon checking, it was the first transfer from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy knowing that the plans I had were going to be successful.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference that I can attest is that, initially I used to work at a tailoring shop in commission basis. This kind of job could not provide for my family basic needs. Getting food was a challenge at some point. Since the time I got the money, my family has been getting enough food hence peace has prevailed. Apart from that, I managed to get a permanent house and I am no longer scared during rainy and windy seasons. This is because of GiveDirectly and I am thankful for that.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon withdrawing the money, the priority was to build a spacious permanent house. This is because the house I had was a madhouse and it was not very stable during rainy and windy seasons. Therefore, I used KES 43000.00 to construct a block walled-house. Using the stated amount, I bought the building materials such as blocks, cement and some iron sheets. I also paid KES 1800.00 school fees for my two primary school children, not because they were being sent out for fees but to prevent them from being sent out of school so that the concentrate with their studies. For the remaining amount, I bought a sack of maize and some beans for food. By so doing, I was ensuring food security at my home.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a tailor by profession. I have desired to start my own business but I have not achieved this due to a lack of capital. I will use KES 50,000 to buy a sewing machine and other sewing equipment to start my business. I am assured of making a profit of KES 500 per month with this business. I have also desired to upgrade my existing old house into a semi-permanent house. This is because in the current house I reside in, the walls are weak and on the verge of collapsing. I do not have a separate kitchen and I am forced to cook in my children's room and this creates unfavorable living conditions for my kids. I will use the remaining amount to renovate my house and construct a separate kitchen. This will restore my dignity as Chief's wife.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the month of December, my spouse was promoted from Assistant Chief 2 to Assistant Chief 1. This really brought joy to my life. This is because his salary also increased by KES 2700. This amount is of great help to the family because it is helping us to cater for other household expenses.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am a housewife and I majorly depend on my husband who is Assistant Chief. We have been supporting other relatives especially in educating them. Currently, we have 3 sisters-in-law that my husband is paying fees for them. We also have two children of our own who are in school. Therefore, I consider the lack of a reliable source of income as the biggest challenge that currently facing.
