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 ($520 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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The recipient was not asked any questions as part of this follow up.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($542 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference I have seen in my life is that I am now able to have a business of my own. I have been trying to get some capital to start one but it was impossible since the kind of jobs I was doing were not very rewarding. I used to cut stones and charcoal and most times my body had difficulties adjusting to this harsh condition. Today, I am so happy that I now have a business to run. I might not have all the money I need to keep it going but the fact that I do not have to go back to the job I used to have is so relieving. Thank you GiveDirectly for the money you sent, I pray you to continue giving us more money.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received a message on my phone but I did not bother to look or check who had sent the message. At around 11:00 am I decided to read the message. To my amazement, I saw that it was from GiveDirectly. I felt so much joy and happiness as I continued to read the message and later I went to withdraw the money. Thank you GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my transfer on buying two cows, I plan to use the cows for mowing my land and I can also use them to tilting other people's land as I get to earn some money from it. We are about to enter the farming season and I see that I will be able to earn a lot from this as many people need this type of skill. The other amount I decided to buy some goats. I am have started a business where I buy the goats at a certain amount and resell them at a higher price to anyone who needs them. I plan on expanding this business by buying more goats but, I am now waiting for the second transfer so that I can go on smoothly with this business. The income I get from all this I will use it to feed my family and take my children to school, I have six of them and I want them to be educated.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
As a charcoal burner, my current job has been very straining. I depend normally on casual jobs around the village and due to the nature of this work, my health has deteriorated. Am growing weaker each day and the little income I get goes to basic necessities leaving none for medical attention. Receiving this money therefore means I will be able to transition into a better job that can comfortably meet my needs and that of my children. I will start up a livestock sale business. This way I will be earning sustainable income. I want to ensure my kids get better education and not end up like me. Am struggling because I dropped out of school.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day. As a casual labourer, I normally leave the house in the morning with no food at all. Everyone has high expectations on me hoping by evening things will be better. What motivates me mostly is my family's support and understanding. No matter how little I bring home in the evening, they always receive it with love and gratitude and that is what brightens my evening.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of sustainable source of income has been the biggest hardship in life. Of late I have been less productive due to chest complications majorly because of inhaling smoke and dust while working. I feel so bad when I fail to work since this the main source of income to my family. Everyone depends on me and at times am forced to even work while sick in order to provide food and other necessities. I feel relieved now knowing things are going to ease up a little.
