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
55000 KES ($544 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 ($541 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that my shop is now back to life and operating efficiently due to the adequate stock that I was able to purchase through the GiveDirectly funds. I am certain that I will earn a good profit from it unlike before and use it to expand my sources of income.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the notification at a time when I was deeply worried about what would happen to my shop since I was unable to restock my shop and recover the position I was financially for smooth operations, and upon reading the message which confirmed that it was money I had received from Givedirectly, my worries were replaced with happiness at that instant and a cloud of peace covered me all day long.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer to purchase enough stock to run my shop. Operations were not good since I was going through hard times and it was nearly collapsing due to inadequate capital to restock it, for it was the only source of income and also the source of school fees that I paid for my son who was in high school. I nearly closed my shop due to inadequate stock and lost hope of reviving it again to a better position, however, it is through GiveDirectly that it has brought life again to my shop by enabling me to increase stock to earn a good profit. I also purchased three goats to keep so as to have some assets of my own and I am hopeful that through them I will be able to educate my children in the future. I used the remaining amount to pay school fees for my son who had completed his form four but was unable to collect his certificates due to the huge arrears that he had when he completed his high school. Thanks to GiveDirectly for I never knew that I would be able to clear his fees arrears in order for him to collect his certificates.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I had a plan of starting up a general shop business and had already constructed a structure but could not raise money for stock.Receiving this money means that the barrier of not having cash to purchase stock is removed.I will purchase adequate stock that will generate enough profit to buy food,pay school fees for my child Patrick who is in Secondary school and cater for other minor expenses.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Whenever I get resources that enables me put food on the table for my family, I am always happy.
This comes mostly in the afternoon after engaging in farming activities and gets paid.When my children are enjoying the meal during lunch,I get so happy that my efforts have brought them food.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The lion share of my earnings is always channelled to school fees payment but still the fees is not fully cleared.Sometimes we are forced to go without food but pay the school fees because I believe that educating my children is the only way I can escape the poverty trap.
Balancing between this and other basic needs such as food,medical expenses and shelter is not easy.So the biggest hardship I have faced remains straining to pay school fees.
