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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($453 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The new goal that I have now is to save money from my small business of selling second-hand clothes. I wish to purchase land, currently, I live with my parents and I wish to own land and live separately.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The majority of the people spent their Money on building better houses, Most lived in grass-thatched houses. They are so happy now because they are living in spacious and decent houses. I do not find anything that GiveDirectly did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I run a business selling clothes at the shopping center near our home. I added $350 to this business and it is now doing much better than before. I am able to meet all the demands of my clients on time. This has enabled me to generate good profits and make my business grow. Before adding the stock I could not even break even at some point. I am so grateful because I am able to meet all my basic household needs and looking forward to expanding this business in the near future. I spent $100 on purchasing two goats. Goats rearing projects has been my dream and since they reproduce faster I will be able to sell the young ones and meet all the household basic needs for my family. The remaining part of the money I spent was on food and other household items. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has enabled me to fulfill my dream.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($475 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 10 am. I had attended a Merry merry-go-round group that we have in our village. When I heard a message notification from my phone. When I checked it out I could not believe my eyes because I have never received such an amount of money before. It was a message confirming that I have received KES 55,000 from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy and I could not wait to finish the meeting. I immediately called my mother and inform her of the good news. This was one of the happiest hours of my life. I knew from that point that I would be able to start my dream business of selling clothes. GiveDirectly has changed our living standards and enabled us to fulfill our dreams.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is starting my dream business of selling second-hand clothes. This was always my dream because I had analyzed and research well. I was flexible enough to do it and had enough time. This business has a higher rate of return and I can generate good profits. I used to depend on small casual jobs and this was not paying well. I was only able to meet the small household's basic needs and I did not have extra money to invest. Currently, I sell clothes in direct markets. I can general profits which I used to meet the basic needs and even retain some money to expand the stock. This has enabled me to improve and have bigger plans which I did not have when I have not started this business. I have devoted much of my time to this and I wish to own the highest store for clothes. I am so grateful for the support because GiveDirectly has enabled me to fulfill my dream.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 30,000 to start my dream business of selling second-hand clothes. I had always wished to do this but I did not have the money. Currently, I get profits and I used it to meet other household items and retain some to buy more stock. I spent KES 15,000 on purchasing three goats. This is also one of the projects that pay back in a shorter time. Goats reproduce faster and help whenever there is an emergency. The rest of the money I spent on clothes and food for the family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I sell clothes on open-field markets near my home so that I can buy food and pay school fees for my daughter which earns me a commission of KES 500 on the days that I do the job. Receiving this money will enable me to start my business since with KES 30000, I can get good bales of clothes to sell. Having my business will increase the amount that I earn, allow me to save some of the money, and be able to provide for and sustain my family without much struggle.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have been able to get jobs through referrals for the last 6 months. I am grateful for this since I have been able to feed my child and she has been able to attend school without fail. This has brought me joy and has given me hope.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The major challenge that I am facing is food security because I do not have a place to farm since I still stay on my parent's land. I am compelled to buy food with the amount that I get from the job that I do, which a time is hard to get.
