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 ($439 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?
Like every parent, my long-term objective is to see that my kids have a better life than I did. I'd really like to grow my Mpesa and butchery enterprises in the near future. I was able to launch these enterprises and earn some extra money thanks to GiveDirectly. Even with my day job and my two side jobs, expenses always increase to match income—this is a fundamental economic principle! My enterprises will grow, which will increase my income and allow me to continue working toward my long-term objective of giving my children the best life possible.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly, in my opinion, excels at giving their donors control back. With their transfers, they not only gave me the opportunity to launch two new firms, but also to prioritize my demands and take the appropriate action. I felt like I had been resurrected when GiveDirectly offered me control because I had been a prisoner to my limited alternatives for so long. I hope that GiveDirectly continues to be a blessing for a long time to come.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I work as a librarian and make $220 a month. At Ganze Girls Secondary School, where I work. Making ends meet on one paycheck wasn't easy for me as a single mother with two children in grades 3 and 1. Even though I could have been doing a lot worse, it doesn't change the fact that single mothers always have it tougher. For my oldest and youngest, I pay $57.50 and $45, respectively, to attend Aloste Academy in Ganze. The majority of the money from GiveDirectly was used to cover my kids' tuition and ensure that we would remain in the black for a few more months. The remaining money was put toward my savings. I've said it before, but I'm the sole breadwinner for me and my kids. As a result, I've always required a safety net for when things go wrong, and since since COVID, I've felt that need much more. I was able to finally set away enough money for a savings plan thanks to the funding from GiveDirectly. GiveDirectly has improved our lives in a variety of ways. We will always owe them money.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($477 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
After being enrolled in the program, I was so optimistic that as soon as I received the transfer, I would be able to start a poultry farming business. Everytime that I would hear a message on my phone, I would rush to read it. This particular morning, I woke up to the transfer message and it made my day. I spend the who day so happy.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I have already started seeing the impact of cash transfers to my business as I received a higher commission this month and I'm hopeful that the poultry farming business which I started will be a great investment for me.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I'm a single mother of two beautiful girls and taking full responsibility of providing for them has not been an easy journey. I have been operating a local mobile money transfer business "M-pesa" to provide for them but ever since COVID-19 crisis, the business has never been the same and I have been struggling to sustain it. My goal was to start poultry farming business so that it can supplement my income but financial inability has been the biggest challenge. Receiving the transfers was the biggest financial breakthrough for me because, I was able to spend KES 13000 to buy some chicken for a start and I'm looking forward to spend part of my second transfer to add more. I also added KES 26000 to my M-pesa float and spend the balance to build a semi- permanent kitchen. I received higher commission this month from my mobile money transfer business and I'm grateful that everything has started working perfectly as I expected. I'm super grateful to GiveDirectly for the support.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Having constructed this semi permanent house in August last year, I thought I had achieved all my dreams, and that I wasn't going to pay rent anymore.
But I can say am sad, because Ants have invaded my home and destroyed my children books, furnitures and even the materials used to build the house have been eaten, and soon my house will be in bad shape.
Upon receiving the first transfer I plan to renovate, my house which will cost around Ksh 55000, which is inclusive of labour and building materials.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I needed a cool environment at my place and during the hot season I thought of planting some few seedlings and water them.
After few months, it's a miracle to see them grown to good size and I hope they will bring a good shade some years to come.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My 2 children are in private school, and I have arrears that are at KSH 21000, though am permanently employed, but as a single mother Its difficult to balance the basic needs for my daughters.
Being new to this area, and I have observed there is a lot of insecurity, I lose my properties Everytime am off to work, so I see a need to fence my home to keep off intruders.
