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?
All about GiveDirectly is the best, they uplift livelihoods and always offer unconditional help. One major concern is that we would kindly like them to give a specific date whereby they send the transfers.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Being a barber, a clean shaving machine is adamant as the one I had was abit rusted and faulty hence after receiving KES 3000 from GiveDirectly, I was able to purchase a new shaving machine at KES 3900. The above amount, I was able to topup from my own pocket inorder to acquire the required tools.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
From the time I was enrolled in GiveDirectly program, my expectations were raised and I could more often check my Mpesa messages. On the day transfers were sent, I was in my small barber shop though there was no client except a friend who passed by to see me. The transfer message notification rang while we were discussing our common goals we would prioritize to do with GD transfers. I could not hide my joy when I saw that message. That day is still memorable in my life.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is that I currently have a 0.5 acre maize plantation courtesy of GiveDirectly's transfer. The transfer therefore helped me to prepare my parcel of land, what I would have otherwise not managed to do. Currently my crops are doing pretty well and I am hopeful that from there, I shall obtain good harvest should there be adequate rains to the end of this season.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since the transfer was sent to me during a rainy season, I spent KES 1000 to hire for plowing services. I opted for preparing my land for faming because during favorable seasons, I can always harvest about 2 bags of maize which can take me for over two months. Previously, I had desired to prepare my 0.5 acre parcel of land for farming, although I could not because I did not have some money.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a local Berber and the machine that I use is a old fashioned one which I keep changing the blades making it hard for me to operate the business because I make very little profit. My desire has been to buy a modern machine but rasing enough capital has been the major challenge since I use the little profit that I earn to provide for my family. Receiving this money means expanding my business because I can take a loan, buy a good machine and then service the loan with the monthly transfers that I will be receiving. I will also be able furnish my shop which will attract more customers. I hope when you'll visit after a couple of months, you will find my business booming.
What is the happiest part of your day?
This year, I managed to build a two rooms house on my own. Although it's a semi permanent house, I'm happy that I have a house that I can call mine.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Getting enough water for domestic use is the major challenge that we are currently facing. With the prolonged drought all the water point in my location has dried up and I usually go to look for water as far as 30 kilometres from home. This means also opening my business late because I always find long queues at the water point.
