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.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have not spent any of my recent transfers. Having saved 9,000 KES so far, I intend to maintain the course and accumulate enough initial capital to set up a kiosk. This business will mark the beginning of my financial independence and growth because I currently rely on my father, a launderer, to provide for most of my family’s basic needs.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Having been working menial jobs and not having a stable income, GiveDirectly came to my aid with a 3rd transfer of KES 3000 with which I put the whole amount in my savings account, targeting to reach a goal of KES 15000 so that I can open up a shop and start my own business ensuring I atleast have a substantial amount for income to support my family.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Yes, GiveDirectly does well by giving us unconditional cash. This has greatly helped us in terms of proper planning on how best we can use the cash to enrich our lives. Honestly speaking this has been an eye-opener for me in terms of ensuring that I improve my life condition with the opportunity at hand.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have for the longest time been sleeping on a bed without a mattress. This has been challenging to me as I lose my sleep in the middle of the night. I also experience back pains from time to time. With all these challenges at hand, I have always tried to stay strong knowing that one day I will overcome them. When I received the transfer I quickly went to the shop and bought a new mattress. I am now happy that every night I sleep soundly and I have even noticed some improvement with my back. I can also say that I dream a lot unlike before. I have also wanted to own livestock of my own for the longest time in my life. When I received the transfer I took the fires step in doing so by purchasing some two young chicks at a price worth KSH 500. I am happy that I now own something for myself.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was heading to the shop in the morning at around 9 am in morning. I looked at the notification and found out that I had received funds. I did not immediately know where these funds had come from. Later in the day, a friend of mine came by my house and during our chit chat confirmed to me that he had received cash from Give Directly. It now clicked in my mind that the message I had seen earlier. I instantly became happy and thanked God for the blessings.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The difference is that with the cash I have been able to fulfill my longtime dream. With the livestock I bought for a start I am going to make sure that I breed them and grow their numbers so that they can help me in the future. I want to also develop myself in terms of projects that are going to empower me financially.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am one person that likes development and I have been for a long time wanting to have livestock for myself. I have mastered the art of rearing different types of livestock since when I was a kid. I have always wanted to have the opportunity to own my livestock and rear them. So when I received the cash I was very happy and I knew I would fulfill my wish of owning my own. I spent KSH 2800 on buying a female goat. In addition, I spent 200 on buying one chicken. I know in several months to come I will have many of these and selling is going to help me raise money to help me in my daily needs.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am married to my lovely wife, blessed with two children. They have not started school yet, but as a young parent, I am always thinking of how best I will ensure I offer the best education to them. The GiveDirectly assistance is timely. I am planning to save the money with a local SACCO to enable me to insure their education. I dream to take them to secondary school, a level I did not manage to reach due to financial constraints.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Most people in our village depend on palm wine tapping and selling. I recently planted my palm wine trees and I expect them to grow to maturity in five years time. When it rains, I feel very happy because I get the assurance that indeed, they will grow to maturity.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I grew up with three of my friends, played together, and even schooled together. Upon finishing standard eight, I was enrolled to form one, in a local school nearby. My father, who works in a laundry company could not afford to keep me in school. To offload the burden, I had to drop mid-way. They say an idle mind is a devil workshop, I found myself engaging in unnecessary affairs which led to my early marriage. Though at my youthful age, I have two children to look after. I envy my friends who finished school, and they are now better people in society. The pain I go through, seeing how successful they are is heavy.
