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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($433 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?
In 2021 I opened a water business, selling to the villagers. But a few months into the business I accumulated a water bill of $150 that I could not pay and the company disconnect it. I would like to save up and reopen the business.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Villagers are no longer dying of hunger, especially during this period of famine. Villages are very happy.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My husband shapes and cuts stones that are used for building and selling them. Before the transfer, he would hire a cutting machine which reduced his profits. I spent the second transfer to buy him a cutting machine that cost $ 500. The machine has helped out in the business we now get to keep all the profit from the business, he gets $15 a day that helps buy food and pay school fees for my eight children. I spent the first transfer to buy a tailoring machine for myself and during this festive season, I have a lot of customers who now get $20 a day. Ever since I received the first and second transfers my life has changed for the best and I can say my family is comfortable.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($473 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home in the morning washing clothes. After I finished, it occurred to me that had not checked my phone for quite some time. It was at that moment that I saw the text message with the amount received in the Mpesa account. I was excited and shocked at that moment. I called my husband and shared the good news, which made him happy that day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference since I received the payment is that I opened my business. My life has changed in terms of cash flow, especially when my husband has gotten no orders because I can support the family. My business is doing well and I earn between KES 500- 1000 which is enough for our daily expenditures.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since I finished my Tailoring course, have always had a passion to use my skills and start my business, but my husband who works as a carpenter could not support my dreams because of financial challenges. When I received the funds, I thought it was my time to turn my dreams into reality and support my family. I spent KES 15000 to buy a sewing machine and another KES 15000 to stock some fabrics and other essential items needed to start my tailoring business. Since it is the rainy season,I used KES 7000 in planting. I bought food for KES 5000, which would last my family of 8 members in the next 3 weeks, and paid KES 3000 as school fees for my 6 children who are in public school. I remained with KES 10,000 for any miscellaneous or urgent expenses.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a tailor. My sewing machine broke down three years ago and this has greatly affected my income. I have not been able to repair or purchase another one due to lack of money. Receiving this money will help me purchase a new one at a cost of 16,000 KES. I also have a piped water project that has stalled due to finances. I need a 10,000 litres tank so that I can collect piped water and sell within the village. The demand for clean water is high. This will cost me around 80,000 KES. This two projects will serve as sources of income that will help me fend for my family..
What is the happiest part of your day?
With the current financial challenges that I am facing, my joy came when I heard that Give Directly has launched operations in my sub location. That alone had been responsible for my happiness the past six months.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have eight children to provide for and I struggle a lot due to the little income we get as a family. My tailoring business collapsed because my sewing machine is faulty. My spouse on the other hand does house roofing within the village and his income is very inconsistent. He sometimes stays at home for up to a month without work because construction jobs are very few. Providing food and paying school fees have been the toughest of all.
