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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($492 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I was able to think of my long-term goal of being financially independent. This was by owning my own business, especially in the taxi business. I would get to earn money from being a motorcycle rider. I was able to buy the motorcycle thanks to Give directly. I was also able to finally lay my wife's bride price which I had not been able to clear due to not having enough income. I was able to buy a bed and the beddings required.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Thanks to Give directly I have been able to buy a motorcycle which I can use to earn a living. The projects have given people like me a new chance at life. I have been able to support my family financially which has been very difficult this year.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
In this last transaction, I focused on only one thing which was starting my own business. This would not only provide an income but can be used as a mode of transportation for my family in case of emergencies. I bought a motorcycle which coated me the whole amount of KES.55000.This motorcycle would be driven by my husband as he already has a license and had been working as a motorcycle rider for some time before the pandemic.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was mid-morning and I was going about my usual responsibilities as a casual labourer. I got the message notification on my phone and could not believe my eyes when I checked it and saw that I had received the transfer. I was overjoyed and full of gratitude.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since receiving this transfer, I am less frustrated about being able to provide the basic needs, especially food, for my wife and our unborn child. I am unemployed and have no stable source of income. I picked up casual jobs to earn money but sometimes I don't get work and go back home empty-handed. I could not bear the thought of watching my wife and our child going hungry because we have no money to buy food.
Because of the transfer from GiveDirectly, I was able to purchase foodstuff including rice, wheat and cooking oil. My family now has enough food supply for the foreseeable future and I'm so happy about that.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
As a man, it has always been important to me to show my respect for my in-laws by paying dowry. I had, however, been unable to achieve this. I was unemployed and therefore had no source of income.
Having received this transfer, I spent KES 15,000 to fulfil this wish. I also purchased a bed and a mattress worth KES 13,000, since the one we had was broken.
Additionally, I spent KES 4,400 on the purchase of two goats. I plan to sell these later to acquire a calf. I then spent the remaining KES 20,000 on buying foodstuff for the household, to ensure my family has enough food supply since we are expecting a baby.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means food security to my household since I plan to upscale my farming. This is because I always till only 1 acre of land using a hoe and the much produce I normally harvest is two 90kg bags of maize. I am planning to spend utmost 40000 of my transfers to buy oxen and an ox plough which will enable me to till my 3 acres of land. This will assure me of getting more harvest to sustain my family of 2. I will use the remaining amount to construct a decent house as well as buying new beddings to replace the old ones which are rugged.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening since it is at this time that I get more time to chat with my family members. Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours when we are busy doing our charcoal work.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship that I have faced in my life is food insecurity. This is because we rely on casual jobs and our income can not sustain all our needs. Due to this, we struggle a lot to put food on the table and sometimes we seek help from our relatives.
