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 ($492 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different than how it would have been had I not received the transfer. This is because my life has improved than how it was before as I am now able to afford our daily basic needs on time. This is as a result of increase in my income as I am now self employed. Apart from earning good money daily, I get enough rest and my heart is always at peace knowing that everything is running smoothly.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my own opinion, GiveDirectly does well by uplifting people through cash transfer and I do not see anything that they do not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Working on people's farms had been my routine and means if survival. The payments from this kind of work is very low despite the work being tiresome. Due to this, it had always been my wish to be self employed and GiveDirectly came at the right time. Using the transfers, I was able to purchase a second hand motorcycle worth KES 75000 after topping up some amount using my savings. With this, I will be always have enough rest and decide when to start working and when to rest.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($502 USD)
access_time almost 4 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 3pm when a neighbor asked me if I had received the transfers but unfortunately I had charged my phone in a nearby kiosk. On hearing the news I hurriedly went for my phone and on switching on my phone there was the GD Money which we had eagerly waited for. I was overwhelmed with joy and relayed the good news to my wife who was also very excited.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is buying a motorcycle taxi which has lifted my income from working as a casual laborer to self employment. Nowadays, I am motivated to work harder to earn an income by waking up earlier. I don't struggle anymore to buy food and household items because I earn my own daily income. I also live a stress-free life unlike before when I used to work as a casual laborer and used to struggle to put food on my table. I am very grateful to GiveDirectly for this.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I topped up my transfer and bought a motorcycle at KES 108,000 for starting a motorbike business because initially I had saved towards buying it. GD transfers came in at the right time because the motorcycle is now my main income source for my family. Also from the motorcycle income I intend to venture into dairy farming in the near future. I also spent KES 2000 on clothing for my family and KES 1500 on food in order to sustain my family.
Enrolled
access_time almost 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Because of the drought that is often witnessed in this region, crop farming is not a promising venture at all. I have a desire to start keeping goats because it is something that does so well here. It also guarantees high returns in case you want to sell. To start me off this journey, I plan to buy 20 of these animals at a cost of 2000 each. I will keep them for two years and sell them all then start the whole process all over again.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I find happiness in the evening because of the warmth I feel when I am with my family. I married an angel for a wife and she supports me in all that I do. Being together in the evening brings immense joy to my heart.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My parents separated in the year 2002 because of reasons I am yet to find out. I am not in a good relationship with my biological father just because he hates my mother. I love him so much and I wish we could enjoy a harmonious relationship just like other families. He has told me countless times that he wishes I died when I was young. He has made several attempts to kill me with a machete but thank God he has been unsuccessful in all. I have pleaded with him to forgive me just in case I wronged him unknowingly but my plea has always been falling on deaf ears.
