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
53150 KES ($428 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am a trained hair dresser and for the longest time, I have always wanted to start my own business. This year, I am looking forward to save towards the same. Achieving this means that I will be able to support my husband with family responsibilities which gets overwhelming sometimes.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
If it were not for the transfers, I couldn't have managed to buy a cow and a piece of land and therefore, what GiveDirectly does well is giving the less fortunate unconditional cash transfers which they spend to empower themselves in various ways.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since my husband and I couldn't l afford to buy a piece of land, we were living on a small piece of land that our father in-law allocated us. Being a small piece of land, we couldn't practice farming or rearing domestic animals. Our dream was to buy a piece of land once we get capital but this dream seemed to be slipping far away because we couldn't not raise enough capital because we both don't have reliable jobs. I added second transfer to some savings that I had and bought a half an acre piece of land. I am so grateful to GiveDirectly for making my dream come true.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($474 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 very early in the morning when I heard a message notification from my phone. When I checked it out I could not believe my eyes it was a message confirming that I have received some money from GiveDirectly. I immediately inform my family members and everyone was so happy. I knew I would be able to start my dream business of saloon since that has been my passion. We went and withdrew the money with my spouse. GiveDirectly has improved our living standard to be much better than before.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Purchasing building materials to build a saloon shop is the biggest difference in my daily life. This is because I have a passion for saloon work and I have been doing it for quite some time now. The challenge was I was being employed and I earn a small commission. I had no capital to build a shop and buy some stock. This was my main source of income the small I could get was for household basic needs. When I received the transfer from GiveDirectly I felt so happy because this was the opportunity would start my business. Currently, I have bought all the required materials for building a shop waiting for the second transfer to start the construction process and to buy the saloon stock. I will be able to earn from selling the products and at the same time from the service that I will be offering. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has enabled me to fulfill my dream jobs and passion.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 20,000 on purchasing a heifer. I will be able to get enough milk when it reproduces in the next few months and cut the cost of buying milk. I spent KES 19,000 on purchasing building materials and planning to build a saloon business. I am waiting for the second transfer so that I can start the construction process. I spent KES 3,000 on purchasing a blow dry machine. This is because I am doing the saloon business at home. The rest of the money I spent on food and clothes for my children.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My husband was taken ill six months ago and has been in and out of the hospital. I had to leave my hairdressing job to take care of him and this has taken a toll on us financially. Receiving this money means financial independence since we have sold everything we had( two acres of land and livestock) to cater to his hospital bills which are still in arrears of KES 1,200,000. This transfer will restore our financial ability as I plan on starting a hairdressing business for KES 25,000( KES 15,000 to build a shop and 10,000 to purchase equipment). This will be a stable source of income that can meet my family's basic needs and also medication for my husband. I am thankful to have been enrolled to benefit from Give directly transfers.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Last month, my husband was discharged from the hospital after being admitted for three months. I am thankful to God because he has come home to be with us even though he has not fully recovered, he is getting better. This has brought me happiness in the last six months.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial constraints are the greatest challenge. Since my husband fell sick six months ago, I am the only one fending for my family. This has been difficult because I left my job three months ago to look after him. Currently, we have no source income as a result of selling all the livestock we had and a piece of land that we used to farm to raise money for his hospital bill that is still in arrears of KES 1,200,000. We depend on family and well wishes to get money for food and his medication. As we speak, we are planning for a fundraiser event in a month to raise money for offsetting the hospital bill.
