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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Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($463 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 8 pm when I was cooking an evening meal while listening to some soothing music on my phone. Immediately, the music stopped due to an incoming message. I took the phone from the table to confirm what kind of message it was. Alas! I could not believe my eyes for seeing KES 55000.00 which had been deposited into my account by GiveDirectly. Happily, I left the kitchen running to inform my husband of the transfer. Happiness engulfed us and we celebrated receiving the money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before GiveDirectly, my family had no defined source of income instead I used to work for a commission which is equivalent to casual labor where I was fending from hand to mouth. As of now, the transfer enabled me to start a saloon business which is a source of income generation for the family. Having an income-generating activity means a good and comfortable life ahead. I am looking forward to receiving the second transfer so that I buy more stock to equip my business. By so doing, it will be a reliable saloon where clients will not miss the items they want hence attracting more customers.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After the registration, I said to myself that I will start a saloon business once I get the money. This idea came as a result of the hardship I am going through at a saloon where I was employed and I am being paid in commission. I felt like I am being misused because whatever I got was insufficient to cater to my family. When I withdrew the money, I first took KES 5500.00 and paid tithe at my church as a way of gratitude to God. Thereafter, I used KES 35000.00 as the capital and started my saloon. I also bought foodstuff for KES 4000.00 to ensure food security at home. Since I had a young child, I bought all the required personal effects that could last him for 3 months. I did this to ensure that my child is comfortable as I try to find my pace in the new business that I ventured into. Although my husband breeds rabbits for sale, I did not want him to use the money he gets from the rabbit sales for family upkeep since he is still a university student. I wanted that money to assist him while in school.
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a salonist by profession. I have desired to start my own business. These finds will enable me to buy some equipment like a blow-dry, and drier to start me off. I could estimate the cost to be KES 100,000. This business will enable my husband and I to use the money on improving our lives and buying more livestock for resale.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I enjoy the love and peace that I receive from my husband and his family. I feel comfortable being around them and even when I am troubled, they give me a lot of emotional support and I do not take that for granted.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Seeing as my husband is still in school, I have to provide for us from my salon job. I barely make enough and most times we depend on our parents for food. I look forward to starting this business.
