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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.
Stages:
 
Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Irene's Profile
Irene's family
Irene
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Motorcycle or bicycle taxi
faceAge:
33
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53075 KES ($530 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I now have a cereal business to be proud of, something that I would never have if I had not received money from GD. Starting such a business would be impossible for me because it requires a very huge capital that I would not able to raise on my own. I was able to do a lot using the transfers, but the business is the best part because it will sustain my family for years to come and I am so grateful to GD.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I love how GD gives cash to the poor without favour or discrimination. When the staff come to the ground, they are so humble and never look down upon the poor that they visit. I also like the fact that there are no conditions attached to the cash as people said before. I have no negative comment about GD because what they do is extraordinary, if this money was given through the Government, I am sure we would not get even a cent.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
Because I received my second transfers during the harvesting season, I decided to purchase 5 sacks of maize at a cheaper rate so that I could sell them during the dry season when the prices went up. I also used some of it to expand a chicken project I had started using the first transfer by buying more chickens, enlarging the chicken pen and buying chicken. I spent the rest of the money on household items, personal requirements and school supplies for my children.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($549 USD)
access_time almost 6 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the huge profits I am now after I constructed the tailoring shop. People buy materials from me and I also make them the clothes. From this I make a lot of profits as compared to before when I used to work in someone's shop as we had to share profits.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
That day I left my phone home and when I came back and switched it on,I saw the message and immediately ran to my neighbour and showed her. I was super happy about it.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer on starting a poultry keeping project. This is a good project and after three to four months,I believe I will make more money to even construct a better house through that. I also spent some of the money to buy building materials that I want to use to construct a shop for my tailoring business. I used to work for someone and the income was so menial so I want to start my own tailoring shop.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I feel so happy about receiving money from Givedirectly. I trained in tailoring but has never gotten the resources to buy tailoring machines.I will use the money to buy the machines and start my own tailoring business.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the afternoon after completing my household chores.I take my time to relax and tell stories with my friends.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced is lack of resources to buy food and pay school fees for my children,especially when the motorcycle that my husband rides has been withdrawn from him by the owner.