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 ($483 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
As at now the focus is to complete my business structure that I started with the first transfer. If I get money I will finalize on the building and add more stock to my existing business which I started using the second transfer.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
This organization called GiveDirectly did a recommendable job. Personally I do not know how my life would be like if it were not for the assistance I received from GiveDirectly. The organization has raised us as family from a very low level where my husband relied on casual labour and we were also relying on him. We have been sleeping hungry for quite some time but since the time I started the business, we are seeing some good light.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving and withdrawing the second transfer I did something contrary to many. People thought I would complete the business structure that I had started with the first transfer but that was not the case. Instead, I invested all the second transfer into a shop business. I did this so as to have some income generating activity so that I can use the profit I am making to complete the structure I started rather than using the second transfer to complete the business structure then fail to do the business due to lack of money.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($486 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 8.30am when I was doing some household chores when I got a message notification on my phone. Upon checking, it was amazing news of the first GiveDirectly transfer. I was excited and jumped up and down in happiness knowing that my construction projects were going to resurrect.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is being able to put up the rental structures which have been a dream come true. For sure I can sincerely testify that if it were not for GiveDirectly, my plot would take ages before any construction done on it. I really thank GiveDirectly for their transfer and I am looking forward to the second transfer so as to complete my project.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon withdrawing the money, the only focus was the rental construction project. Initially I had bought a plot of land with an aim of building rental houses but due to lack of money I was unable to fulfill my dream. In that regard I used the whole transfer in building 6 rental houses though they are in complete. I am now waiting for the second transfer to finalize on them so that people can let. I did this knowing that rental business is a long-term investment and it will assist me and my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I intend to open a saloon in a nearby market Center. In our house, I depend majorly on my husband who is a shopkeeper in wholesale store at the market Center. In 2019, I graduated with a certificate in hairdressing and cosmetic. I have been doing hairdressing to clients but only at their homes. I plan to use my transfer to open my own saloon which will at least boost our income as a family. This will eventually improve our living standard.
What is the happiest part of your day?
This month on 7th, I received a call from a very close school friend we had not seen each other or talk for almost three years. I had lost her number and therefore, I had no idea where we would meet again. This call really caught me at a time I was deep in thought of my problems but for sure after this, my day ended well and felt encouraged.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Water and sanitation. Fresh and clean water has been a persistent problem. The only water source is a pond which is almost 30km from here. This has been a challenge since I have a one and half year old child and requires me to hire a motorbike. I spend almost 450 KES a week for water only but I have no option because of my child.
The skin health of my child has been affected by the water from the pond. I was advised to use a lotion to apply to my child after washing him with the water or alternatively to boil it first before washing him.
