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
53150 KES ($501 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The biggest difference in my life is the business that I am about to start in a shop that I have built on my farm. I would not have been able to build this without GiveDirectly. I am just struggling to complete it and start a better live back in my village. My business here in the city has become unprofitable. I need to settle beck on my village with an income activity. This has only been made possible by these transfers. I am hopeful that I will son complete the shop construction and start the business.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well by ensuring that all in the village received the money . I am happy about the changes I see that came after the organisation came. Many have build better houses and my village looks livelier and good to live in.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent the second transfer on building a shop on my farm. I decided build it so that I can start a shop business. I intend to stop my charcoal business because in the call to save the environment, the government has banned the business. I am hoping to start a business so that I leave this town to go ans start another life back in my village.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($543 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I once had no livestock but now through the help from GiveDirectly, I managed to purchase the eleven goats to keep as assets in my compound. I am assured that through the goats, I will be able to educate my children for it will be a source of finance because I will sell as they reproduce and increase in number and educate my children.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I saw the message notification early in the morning as I was going through the messages in my phone's inbox. To my surprise, I came across the one message from GiveDirectly that I have been waiting for days. On checking its content I realized that GiveDirectly had sent the transfer they had promised us. I was greatly overjoyed and thankful to GiveDirectly for financial support.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
The transfer has enabled me to acquire some livestock that I never thought I would have one day. I have been longing to invest in local goats rearing in my home. however, because I did not have the capital to buy them. Through financial support from GiveDirectly, I managed to buy eleven goats to start with. I am hopeful that these goats will reproduce and increase in number so as to fulfil my desire, for these are assets that one can own in our poverty-stricken region. These goats will also enable me to finance my children's education in future as I will be able to sell them in order to meet their educational goals in life. in addition to buying goats, I also spent a portion of the transfer to pay for school fees for my children as well as buying school uniforms and shopping for school. I also bought foodstuffs for my family and in meeting other basic needs.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
To achieve a stable source of income and owning a rental house in Bamba has always been my dream. However, this has never come true because my casual job are not enough to meet our needs and save at the same time. With GD transfer I have the hope of achieving this in future and the only way is through quality investments. Therefore, the initial step in my journey is to start a livestock rearing project that will specialize in goats and chicken. This is because they multiply faster and are drought resistant enough to survive the harsh climatic condition in my area. Besides, I will start a small shop business in my area that will generate income to cater for food, clothing, medical and educational needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
After a long day of tiresome activities I get to spend quality time with my wife in the evening. This is the only time we get to plan for our future as we brainstorm on possible solutions to reduce our poverty levels. Her presence makes me happy as she encourages me to press on no matter how difficult the situation is.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I used to sell charcoal in Mombasa, a business that could take care of my family without difficulty. However, I stopped after our government banned the practice. This really affected my financial status as I was reduced to a casual labourer. Currently, I earn less than 500 shillings a month an amount that is not enough to sustain my family.
