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 ($468 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
No, I don't have new goals since my main goal was to start a small grocery business which I was able to accomplish my wish.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well for coming up with the cash program and targeting the less fortunate household in the society. In addition, the officers conducted the process in fairly without discrimination.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 3,000 to boost my grocery business by purchasing more stock. I also used KES 12,000 to purchase one dairy cow a future investment for my family. I intend to be sell the offspring once they reproduce to cater for any financial need that might arise. In addition, I gave my husband KES 25,000 to complete my dowry payment. We are now happy with my husband after settling the dowry debt something that has increased our love. The remaining amount assisted me to purchase.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($497 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was in my house preparing some vegetables. This was at 9 a.m. On hearing a message notification on my phone, I decided to check it. I was pleasantly surprised to see that I had received KES 55,000. I was so happy when it occurred to me that I could finally expand my kiosk business, something I had wanted to do for so long.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I cannot believe how positively my family's lives have transformed since we received this transfer from GiveDirectly.
Until a few months ago, we were unable to meet our basic needs, especially food. The kiosk that I own is our only source of income for my family of five. Sadly, I only earned KES 100 from this, on occasion. This amount was too little to cater for our living expenses. On several nights, we had to go to bed hungry. As a mother, it was painful for me to watch my three children endure this.
This changed, however, once we received this transfer. I bought enough foodstuff for the household including maize, beans and vegetable oil. We can now afford to have three meals a day. I am so grateful to GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Food insecurity has been a major cause of stress for my family. I run a kiosk where I sell foodstuff to earn a living. Unfortunately, I only earn KES 100 a day from this. This amount is not enough to cater for the basic needs of all five family members.
On receiving this transfer, I prioritised the purchase of foodstuff worth KES 3,000 that included maize, beans and vegetable oil. This was to ensure we had enough food for the household. Additionally, I bought more goods for my business, with the costs amounting to KES 40,000. This is my investment, as more stock will lead to more sales and therefore an increase in profit. Lastly, I spent KES 10,000 on the acquisition of four goats. I'm glad that I can sell these whenever I need money urgently.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means self employment and decent housing. My house is small to accommodate my family of 3 children. We all sleep in one room. This makes me very uncomfortable. I want to use 30,000 Kenyan shillings of the first transfer to build a 2 bedroom house. I will also use 15,000 to start a shop business. My customers will be the people in the community. I will mainly be selling foodstuffs such as rice and maize flour. Once the business is stable, I will be able to earn a continuous income from it. I will then use 20,000 kenyan shillings to buy 10 goats. Livestock production is profitable in this area. I will then save the rest for future needs, my family is still young and growing.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of my day is in the morning. Seeing my children waking up very healthy and happy makes me have a very peaceful morning.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of money is the biggest hardship I have ever faced. My biggest ambition is to be self employed, to have a running small business that will enable me to depend on myself. Due to lack of funds, this ambition is yet to pass. I work as a charcoal burner, the money I get from this work is very little. It is not enough to cater for my needs and still start the business.
