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
53010 KES ($403 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Looking ahead to the future, my husband and I plan to pursue poultry and dairy farming as our next business venture. We are optimistic that this investment will yield a quick return as our region's climatic conditions are favorable for such activities. To turn this dream into a reality, we will explore various options, including obtaining a loan and determining the best approach through mutual discussion. Ultimately, we are grateful for all that we have accomplished thus far.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The organization executed its operations flawlessly, from the initial enrollment stages to the final stages. Throughout the process, we were treated with dignity and respect, it was evident from the outset that our opinions mattered. The organization consistently provided us with high-quality services and ensured that we received the best possible treatment.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I faced difficulties during the drought season due to the scarcity of clean water. Therefore, when I received my transfer, I decided to invest in a water tank for our home to address this issue. The purchase of the water tank, which cost $350, has made a significant difference by providing us with adequate water flow and alleviating the burden of constantly fetching water from outside. Additionally, I was able to pay off a debt that had accrued during the installation of the water base slab, which had previously been a financial strain. This is because my business was booming before COVID-19 struck. Unfortunately, it went down to a smaller one. I am married and blessed with two children. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I now have access to sufficient water and am even able to harvest rainwater.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($442 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I remember being in the garden the moment I received my transfer. My neighbour arrived at the farm, jumping up and down with delight. When I asked her what the good news was, she told me she had received money from GiveDirectly. This was the best news I'd heard in a long time; it was so refreshing that I forgot I was tired. I was overjoyed because I knew I would be able to complete my tasks on time. We then began to plan how we would spend the money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have been able to achieve my goals in a relatively short period. I was able to easily construct a tank base slab preparation for mounting the tank which I never thought I would be able to do due to financial constraints. It truly is a dream come true. I am grateful for the assistance that has improved our standard of living.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a businesswoman who is married and has two children. When I got my transfer, I decided to mount my tank so that we could have enough water flow in the house. We knew this would make the process of constantly carrying water from outside easier. As a result, I spent $ 430 to build the base slab. Due to financial constraints, this was previously difficult. Finally, I spent the remaining funds on food. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I will have enough water in the house once the construction is completed.
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I would like to spend this money on reviving my business. This is what I have cast all my hope upon and there is no other thing that I can rely on. The changes that I plan to do is first to change my business location this would cost about $150 in renting a new building. The clothing and fashions that I have also are a bit old and outdated without enough variety for customers to choose from. If I could get a variety and also venture into men's fashion I would increase my customer base. This would cost me the remainder of the transfer which would be like $850. With all the new changes I am sure that my business will bounce back and I'll be making at least a profit of $200 monthly.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I wouldn't say there has been anything specific that has made me happy but just the fact that I can take my children to school and provide for them gives me happiness and joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am a businesswoman dealing with women's clothing and fashion but I have been making losses for the last 1 year now. When the Covid-19 pandemic struck it was detrimental to almost all businesses and mine was not an exception. It was my thinking that it would bounce back when the economy was opened up but that's not it. I have tried to reinvest my savings back into the business for the period it has been making losses but there is no improvement. Initially, when this business was good I would make an average of $150 monthly profit. I wish my business could go back to its pre-pandemic bloom but from my analysis, I think it needs a comprehensive revamp which I cannot afford right now. If the trend continues also am worried I might not be able to sustain the needs of the family.
