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.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion I appreciate the fact that GiveDirectly gives people funds ,and that's because since I started receiving this funds my life has changed in a good way.I have not yet seen a flaw that I would like changed by the organisation.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a widow with three children and this funds have been very helpful. My first transfer came and I invested all in my business of selling donuts and business picked up so well.My recent transfer came at my lowest when my secondary children were expected to pay school fees of kes 10000 each so I divided the kes 3000 amongst them and they were back to school.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the money in the morning hours. I cannot remember the exact time. After I confirmed that I had received the money I was a very happy woman. I was longing to open up a business since I noticed that there was a shortage of vegetables in the area and this was an idea that I knew would fetch me a lot of money and uplift my living standards. Even now I cannot lie to you I am very happy to tell you that my business is continually growing every day. Thank you so much for your help.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Well, there is a big difference in my life in that I am now able to have multiple sources of income. My life was very hard to tell you the truth. I have a farm but as of now there is no rain and nothing is growing on the farm anymore. Finding water is very hectic I have to walk for long hours approximately four hours and above to water sources. Buying water is expensive. With this money, I will be able to save and buy a motorcycle that will help in fetching water and also sell to make a living.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent the money on starting a small business selling vegetables. I used KSH 2000 in buying the stock of vegetables. I decided to start this business since I did not want to have the money lay around in my phone since I would consume it all. I also spent KSH 1000 buying stocks for my shop business. I decided to have multiple businesses to help me in having multiple sources of income. With these businesses I attract clients from all over and with that, I can earn as much money as possible.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Will use the transfers to start a kiosk business. I have a business structure that was able to construct but I had not been able to roll it off due to financial constraints. With 2000KES I can have my first stock of vegetables as I increase monthly. With the profit, I will be able to fully support educating my lastborn child who is currently in standard seven.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I value farming. My day is always packed with farm work. I sometimes wish the day is prolonged so as stay longer in the shamba. My mornings in the shamba stand to be my happiest part of the day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband passed on two months ago. I have been relying on my son who does painting in town. In a month he sends 4000KES for basic needs. I have no one to rely on especially in educating my three young ones. One of them finished primary school and has not been able to get enrolled in secondary school due to financial issues. I have longed to start a business but in vain since I do not have the initial capital.
