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
53075 KES ($511 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Before GiveDirectly came, I was a housewife and I entirely depended on my husband on everything. As a result, we couldn't engage in any developmental projects since his meager income could only cater for my household pressing needs. I am so happy because through GiveDirectly's transfers I have started a posho mill business which I am able to meet most of the household needs without relying on my spouse especially on the education of my children. Currently, we are sharing responsibilities thus my spouse is not overwhelmed with a lot of responsibilities as he used to. The fact that I can make extra income and save in a table banking with my neighbors makes me feel more challenged in terms of decision making for my family's economic growth.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well by uplifting the living standards of people in my community through giving unconditional transfers within the stated time frame which was two months that was advantageous to us who wanted to engage in bigger projects like starting business or building houses.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I added my first transfer onto the second one to put up a posho mill business where I bought an electric posho milll 65,000 KES and stocked ten bags of maize 30,000 KES . Today, I am happy being self employed since the profits from the business has enabled me to educated my school fees and joined saving groups such as merry go round to save for my household development projects which was not possible before because I relied on my spouse for everything.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($547 USD)
access_time over 6 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I have been able to boost my family business in addition to getting additional profits. I now plan to start a posho-mill in the near future. I also want to take my kids to a boarding school from next term.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was so excited on that day, I could not fall asleep that night.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent the transfer to add additional stock to my business, for instance I bought additional mattresses, blankets and other shop items.
Enrolled
access_time over 6 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that my life is going to change. I currently own a small retail shop at our village shopping centre. When I receive this money, I will use some of it to expand my shop. I am also planning on using some amount to pay fees for my cousin who had to drop out of school as a result of early pregnancy.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am happiest in the morning because this is the time I have woken up healthy and strong. This is also the time that I plan for the activities of the day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have ever faced was back in 2008 when I had to drop out of form four because I became pregnant. My husband and I had to elope because my parents were very strict. Life was unbearable because we did not have any source of income since we did not have a job. My husband and I had to struggle working as casual laborers while saving the little we got and later, we managed to borrowed a loan which we used to start my current retail business.
