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
55000 KES ($502 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The fact that I managed to start a business of buying and selling goats in the local market my life has changed greatly. I have been longing to start this kind of business for quite some time but I did not have the capital. I am now glad because the business is doing so well and I can now import and export the livestock from different markets. This has really empowered me in meeting my family's needs with ease without straining. Previously, I could rarely meet most of the basic needs in my family and my children were always sent home to collect school fees. I am now a happy sould because I can now comfortably provide my family's needs.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did so well in my region in so many ways. First of all, during the baraza we were well educated on the security part and how careful we should be in making sure no one steals our money. Also, they taught and advised us on the appropriate ways of utilizing the money. This really enlightened and helped us greatly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying livestock such as a dairy cow and five goats. I have always been having the desire to keep them but I could not afford them because they were too costly. I am pretty sure that very soon they will start reproducing and this will enable me to achieve my goals. With the remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for my family and some other household items that I was lacking.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was busy working that afternoon when I received a notification on my phone. When I finally checked what the message was all about, it was informing me that I had received KES 55000 from GiveDirectly. I could not believe it at first until I checked my account balance again. I was filled with happiness and I thanked GiveDirectly for fulfilling their promise to us.
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 am earning an increased profit from my business of buying and selling goats at a profit unlike before receiving the money. Previously I was doing it but the capital was not enough for this. When I received my first transfer, I invested it on this business and so far I am earning a good income from it. I am now able to pay fees for my children and provide adequately for my family without struggle. I am also saving money currently which was not the case before receiving the transfer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am currently doing a business of buying goats at a cheaper price and selling them at a profit. This has been my source of income from which I pay fees for my children and fulfil my family's basic needs. However, my only challenge was that I did not have enough capital for this business. When I received my first transfer, then I had enough to buy more livestock to sell which means an increased profit. I thus spent a larger portion of my first transfer on buying goats to sell at a profit within a short period of time. I spent the amount that remained on buying some foodstuffs and other household items.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have a family of 13 and educating my children has not been easy due to financial constraints and most of the time, paying school fees, uniform provision, and even food is a challenge. To solve this, my intention once I receive my transfers from GiveDirectly is to expand my livestock project which at the moment I have 2 cows. I will add 3 crossbreed cows at a cost of 30000 shillings per cow and this will mean more milk to sell in order to get extra income to sustain our basic needs. This will give me confidence in educating my children something that will grant me maximum peace.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I usually spend the better part of my day at home since the only work I can do is to look after my 2 cows which at the moment my children help me most. Staying at home with my children sometimes stresses me a lot since I may miss food for them something that does not give me peace of mind. It is only in the evening when I am assured of their dinner, which we share together. Seeing them enjoying their meals gives me the feeling of happiness and this makes evening the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Despite having a diploma in Early Childhood Development and Education(ECDE), I have never secured a job to sustain my family's basic needs. I have spent more time in our local ECDE schools with little pay from the Board Of Management (BOM) and I was retrenched from work immediately Coronavirus started. This has forced me to remain jobless and I am always worried that my children may miss going back to school when schools re-open since I even lack money to buy them school uniforms. Therefore, the lack of a reliable source of income is my biggest hardship.
