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 ($490 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Before receiving my transfer, I used to work in one of the bakery shop in Limuru town. The pay was at times low and I would be forced to take loans in order to meet my family's basic needs and also pay for my house rent on time. The transfers enabled me to open my own shop and due to this, I am able to meet my family's needs on time. Also, I get to practice what I love most without any restrictions. Being self employed had made my life different that how it would have been had I not received the transfer.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well by giving out financial aid thus reducing poverty level in a village and I do not see anything that they do not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my transfer, I spent KES 50,000 to start a bakery business in Limuru town. I also added KES 15000 which was my savings from my first transfer when starting this business. I settled on this since baking had always been my hobby and I had been employed to work in a bakery. I used the remaining amount to buy some food for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($502 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 10 am when was I was at the farm looking for pasture for my cows then I heard my phone vibration. I left whatever I was doing and concentrated on checking the content of the messge. On checking, I realized that I had finally received my first transfer from GivDirectly, I felt so happy I remember leaving whatever I was doing that morning and proceeded home and share the news with my spouse.
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 managed to start a bakery business. Running this business has made me become financially stable. I always wanted to start a business but since I didn't have the required capital due to I was forced to rely on low-paying casual jobs. Ever since I started this business have seen a great positive transformation in my life. I no longer struggle to pay fees for my children like before and meeting their daily needs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on starting a business of baking cakes. I have had the desire to start this business for quite a long time, but I did not have the required capital. Also, I bought some beddings which include a new mattress, wooded bed, and bedsheets. The previous bed was very small, and the mattress had worn out, I never had comfort. To add to that I purchased some household items which include, a carpet, plastic chairs, utensils, curtains, and some agricultural tools like slashers, jembe. With the remaining amount of money, I bought sufficient foodstuffs for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
It means I am going to open a conventionary shop to bake and sell cakes, when I went to Nairobi I learned to make cakes for a bakery and I want to start my own baking business so that I can be self employed. It has been my dream to do what I love most, and baking is my passion so with the money Givedirectly will give me I will have capital to start up here in Sigor.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning because My day as just started, my mind is fresh . This is when I go out to look for casual jobs around the village with great hope to find something to feed my family with.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship was when I was in school, my parents were poor and could not pay school fees for my self and my siblings.I had to look for casual jobs and work in other people farms to get money for school fees until I completed secondary school.I could not countinue from there as life became so difficult and I had to look for a job to do.
