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 ($428 USD)
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?
I would like to add more stock to my business, add maize flour and soap and change it into a retail shop. This will help me get more income and save for emergencies.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I love the fact that GiveDirectly sends the money directly into our account. I am also happy to know that this money can be used unconditionally without any judgment.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before the transfer, My husband and I were in charcoal production. In a week I would get $15 which enabled me to buy food for my family. I have two children and whenever I do not get customers, my family sleeps hungry. Receiving this transfer has helped me buy a motorbike at $400 that my husband operates both for taking charcoal to the market and also for human transportation. We now transport charcoal three times a week, each time we sell four sacks we get $50 a week. I also opened a grocery shop where I sell kale and bananas and I get $5 a day. The rest of the $100 was spent on food and clothing. Right now my family is okay, both our incomes help me pay school fees and we now have three meals a day. I am grateful.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($476 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The transfer came in early in the morning when we were still in bed. I can vividly recall that I was woken up by a loud message ringtone. Upon checking I was surprised to see a Mpesa message which had indicated that I had received money from Segovia technology. This was the best news that had come our way that early morning. I was overwhelmed with joy and happiness. I then broke the good news to my husband who too was equally happy. We then embarked on planning how we would spend our transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life today is that I can comfortably sleep like a baby all night long. This is because I was able to invest in good beddings. It feels good to relax in a decent ace after a long day of hustling in under the hot sun.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a charcoal vendor and a mother of one. When I received my transfer, my husband and I opted to buy a cow. This is because I knew it would act as an asset for us in future. Thus I used KES 11500, I then bought a bed and a mattress at KES 10,000. In addition to that, I bought a door at KES 2500. Lastly, I bought foodstuffs and clothes with the remaining amount. I am thankful to have accomplished a lot in a short time unlike before when I was unable to due to financial constraints.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
As a young couple, we feel the need to set a stable financial base for our family. At the moment, we only have one child. Before responsibilities overwhelm us, we shall use half of these transfers to buy goats and sheep. I have enough time to look after them until they are ready for sale. The remaining amount shall be used to repair my husband's motorbike. That way he can be in business and once we start to sell these goats, our financial situation shall improve. It will be a good boost to our family and we cannot thank you enough.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I enjoyed the past festive season. It was my first as someone's wife. It was fun having so many people around. We shared meals, got to bond with those who do not live here and made merry. It made me feel welcome as I have only been married here for ten months. I feel at home now.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I depend on charcoal for a living. Lately, there are no stumps to use for burning charcoal. That means I have nothing to do all day and that makes get bored. I do not like idleness and that is why I am excited about livestock farming because it is involving.
