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 ($493 USD)
access_time almost 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 becasue I have sevral livestock in my life. First, the pair of oxen that I acquired, will be of great help to me especially with my agricultural activities. Initially, I used to get some low harvests but I am now assured of getting good yields. In addition to this, I will be hiring them to my neighbors at a fee and generate an income which will be a source of income for me. In addition, the dairy cow will be giving me free milk, and I will use a few litres for my family consumption and sell the rest whereby which will be an additional income to me. Meeting the family's needs will be easier through them.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well in my region and I couldn't complain in any way. The fact that the money was sent directly into my account and allowed me to choose what to purchase. To add to that, I was enlightened on how best I can utilize the cash and this made it so easy for me. Also, I leant that I should not share my Mpesa pin with anyone, and if it were not for the officers I wouldn't have known all these.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer in buying a pair of oxen and a dairy cow and five sheep. These have been the best investments that I have been longing to have in my homestead but due to the poverty life, I could not afford them. I am now a happy soul, because, I will achieve most of my goals through them. Also with the remaining amount, I bought enough food for my family that would at least take us to the next harvesting season.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 1500Hrs on that day and I was by the roadside at work waiting for passengers to transport. I heard a message come into my phone and when I checked it was the transfers. I was very very happy.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now own my own motorbike. I can now maximise my pay and my profits as I no longer have to share any proceeds that I get from the business, with anyone.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfers to purchase my own motorbike that I can use to ferry people around for some pay. I am currently a motorbike rider employed to transport people around for pay. I am always forced to share whatever I make from the motorbike with my employer. Having my own motorbike will help in maximising my profits and my pay as all the proceeds will belong to me. I am very grateful to GiveDirectly that I can now sustain my wife and two children efficiently.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a motorcycle taxi rider who is employed by the owner of the motorcycle. Receiving this money will help me own a motorcycle which will mean that I will pocket all the profit. This has always been my wish. A second hand motorcycle will cost me around $ 400. I will then use $ 200 to expand my house to one extra room. My current house is one tiny room which is very squeezed considering that my children are growing.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am motorcycle taxi operator. My job involves making round trips looking for clients to ferry. At the end of the day I am usually very exhausted. I leave my home at 6:30 am and come back at 7:30 pm.Family time in the evening is what calms my nerves down. I spend time with my wife and two children as we chat. This is the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I studied up to secondary school but my dream of going to college and securing employment never came true due to lack of school fees. My parents could not raise my college fees because they had other pressing needs such as food to cater for. I was even willing to settle on a small course as a plant operator. I have passion in driving. I am sure that if I had studied more,I could be in a better position financially.
