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.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer on boosting my grocery business by adding more stock to the business. The business was not doing well since there was shortage of supplies due to long dry periods in the country. Without the transfers, I would have to seek help from family members or even take a loan in the group to boost the business.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life?
My new goal for the transfers is to continue boosting the business. I know when I invest more in the business, I will be able to get a stable business which will lead to stable income from the profits. The profits will be my income helping me to sustain my family needs well long after the transfers are over.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The biggest difference in my daily since I started receiving these transfers is that my business is flourishing. I really don't know how my business would have been without the transfers. It may have collapsed because I would not be getting help on a monthly basis to boost it as I have been getting help from GD. I know before the transfers are over, I will have stabilised the business so that I don't seek help as it has been the case.
11th Payment
Transfer Amount
3997 KES ($39 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have a grocery shop which has been my main source of income for a very long time now. I have been using most of my transfers to boost the business by bringing in more stock in bulk from farms near the City at an affordable price as compared to buying them from markets within the city to maximize on profits which I then save. I used this month's transfer to add more stock to ensure that my customers are well-supplied and that the business is stable enough to take care of my financial needs.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life?
I had previously worked as a motorcycle taxi operator before I opened the current grocery business I have. Then, I was using a hired motorcycle which I had to pay for on a daily basis so the returns were not so good. With the profits I am making from this grocery business together with the monthly transfers I am receiving, I am planning to buy a motorcycle on credit which I can clear paying for in monthly instalments so that I can have a supplementary source of income. This motorcycle will also enable me to ferry my grocery products with ease which will then reduce the costs I am currently incurring paying for delivery services.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My grocery business which was on the verge of collapsing before I started receiving these transfers is now very stable, all thanks to the project that has enabled me to buy more stock and make more supplies to my customers. The business has made it possible for me to make decent savings daily in our group where I know I now have a good sum that I can use in different development projects later on.
8th Payment
Transfer Amount
5000 KES ($48 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my transfer on boosting my business. I supply onions and tomatoes in varies part of Nairobi City. I inherited the knowledge from my parent. The stock had reduced and being that I did not want it to collapse, I had to use the whole amount to add new stock. I can never regret doing this because my business is now stable and I am able to meet the demand of the customers.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life?
My new goal is to start a grocery shop. I want to sell a variety of vegetables and fruits. I am certain about making a lot of profits because people in the area like fruits and vegetables have to be prepared every day.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Currently, my life is different from how it was in that I managed to boost my business. I have a family that depends on the business. Now that my business is doing well, I have been able to take care of my needs easily and I thank GiveDirectly for improving my financial status.
4th Payment
Transfer Amount
5000 KES ($49 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is that before I started receiving the transfers, I used to buy onions from the market which was costly and at times I incurred losses instead of earning a profit. But ever since I started purchasing the stock directly from the farmers, I have seen a great margin in my profits. This has encouraged me to increase my customer base.
Describe the moment when you started receiving transfers. How did you feel?
The moment I received this transfer, I was so happy because not many people fulfill their promises. So I gave thanks immediately made my way to the market lest I develop different ideas.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the recent transfer, I boosted my grocery business of selling onions. I now get the onions from the farm instead of buying them from the market. This is less costly and has seen my income levels increase. I am looking forward to even expanding my business and supplying more hotels and individuals to enable me to generate more income.
Do you have any new goals that you didn't have before receiving the transfer?
Currently, my major concern is to ensure my family has food, shelter, and clothing and that my son attends school with minimal disruptions of either school fees or any other requirements in school.
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
Describe your usual day. How do you spend your time?
On my usual day I wake up like 5am in the morning then I have my breakfast then leave for work like 7:30am. I will take like 45min to reach to town(muthurwa) where my business is situated, that's the place I stay the whole day selling my agricultural products till late evening. On my free time,I spend time with my family creating a stronger bond between us. I sometimes go visit my friends of whom we have not met for a while and chat just to catch up.
What are your greatest ambitions?
In future, I would want to be out of mathare and go in a better environment that's conducive for me and my family. This is because where I live it's so dirty and with a lot of rotten activities that happen around like thievery, drugs and all sorts of bad habits. I wouldn't want my family to be in such an environment. Based on my business I would want operate on large scales whereby i can get big contracts with big firms for supply and create more employment opportunities for other young people within my country.
Describe your biggest worry.
My top concern is unable to provide the daily needs for my family because one can barely do a thing without food in his/her stomach. I have seen families separating due to lack daily needs, it also makes people do a lot of bad things like getting into crime and commercial sex workers just to provide for their family. Personally I almost got into crime due to lack of these basic needs,I wouldn't wish my family to face the same wrath.
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Once I get the money I will invest in my immediate business of selling greens and vegetables so as to expand this business. I have been doing this business for a while like one and a half years now without steady expansion,I think this is a great opportunity for me to expand. Secondly I am planning to open a new business of a cyber cafe' and photocopy shop. This is because I have skills in information technology and this is a chance to explore my field. Lastly I will create a saving system so as support my two business in case of misfortunes.
