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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53200 KES ($482 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
check
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Life generally is different than it would have been if I never received my transfer, for instance, my wife and I are happy and our love life is flourishing because of the transfer that we got, secondly, I used my first transfer in acquiring a motorcycle, I also managed to build a decent house, then lastly I boosted my business where I sell household items, and I hoping that the business would improve. I am so happy and grateful for this great opportunity that impacted my life amazingly.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The support that GiveDirectly is giving to the needy is God sent, it lifted our lives and that of my village mate, they also taught us on the Mpesa security detail to minimise fraud and other risks. In my opinion, I feel that GiveDirectly should be on their own because a time the village elders can be biased when they are going out details.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a trained teacher though currently, I am still unemployed. However, I am still awaiting the government placement. I was unable. To build a decent house due to financial constraints, I am married and blessed with one child, therefore when I received my transfer I decided to build a decent house for my family which I used KES 30,000, I then used KES 20,000 in boosting my business. I am grateful for the transfer that came as. Financial freedom to us.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($509 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at the farm when I saw a message at around 9 am notifying me that I had received Ksh 55000 from GiveDirectly, I was overwhelmed with joy in that I knew my dream of owning a motorbike would be realised.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is that I now own my motorcycle meaning that I have a reliable source of income unlike before where I had to divide my profit by paying back the cost of renting a bike daily, a time I would be left with little or worse nothing because of the cost of fuel that had risen. I am so grateful that The organisation has changed my life for a better one.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a motorcycle rider but the bike that I was using was a rented one, I always had a dream of owning one but because of the financial constraint that was not possible. When I received my transfer I bought a motorbike and now I am positive that I have a reliable source of income.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
After working hard to complete my university education 2 years ago, I came back home to a sad reality of the unemployment world. Without a job, I feel so disappointed that I cannot satisfy the needs of my wife and young child. When I receive this money, I am planning to start a motorcycle taxi business by using the money to buy a new motorcycle worth $1400. With a motorcycle, I can efficiently transport materials for my wife who recently opened a tailoring shop. Besides, it is an opportunity to become self employed as I look for employment.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My wife is a tailor. She makes money to support our young family through her business. The happiest part of my day is in the evening when she comes home with food for supper.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have often condemned myself for not having done enough to provide for my family, despite being a university graduate. It is a state of hopelessness caused by joblessness. Looking around, some of the friends I grew up around who dropped out of school are living a better life than me, with small businesses and better living standards. I am sometimes ashamed of my slow progress in life thanks to lack of funds, which has greatly taken a toll on my self esteem and mental health. This is the biggest hardship I've faced.
