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.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Give directly has done very well. Using the funds, I can now keep doing what I love, which is, operating my own business. This will complement to my qualities as an industrious and creative man. There's no area where give directly has not done well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I got the first transfer, my thought was to revive my grocery selling business. To start off, I wanted to construct a shop. So, I bought three iron sheets at KES700 each, and I topped up KES100 to the remaining amount to pay the builder KES1000. The plan I had with the second transfer, of stocking up my shop, however, never bore any fruit. I fell ill and I was diagnosed with pneumonia. The accrued hospital bill was KES4900. I used KES2400 from the transfer to reduce the bill, The remaining KES600, I used as transportation to and from the hospital. Once I am off medication, I will continue with my casual work as a gardener and work on clearing the hospital debt.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
On the day I received these funds, I was at home as I was unsuccessful to get a job that day. I was deep in my thoughts thinking of where I will get some money to start a business. So, when I got the confirmation message of the cash receipt, I was taken aback and I felt very happy. I immediately started sourcing for materials to build a stall where I will be working from.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before I started receiving the funds, I was really struggling to get a job. Most often, I would result to working as a handyman at a construction site that paid ksh500 per day worked. Now that the funds have enabled me to build a stall, I will now buy the products I need for the business and start its operations.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since my job as a handyman at a construction site has been very inconsistent, I had plans of starting a grocery store business. With the space I had, it was convenient to put up the structure. So, I used ksh2100 to purchase some iron sheets and I paid the workers ksh1000 in order to build a small stall for me. I did not need to buy wood since I already had some in the compound. The amount is what I had received from give directly but I had to chip in ksh100.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My ambition has been to start a grocery where I can be vending vegetables and fruits but this has never been possible due to the lack of capital. Receiving this money is a dream come true for me because I intend to start the business using my first 4 months' transfers. This will enable me to have a reliable source of income because I am currently dependent on some casual jobs which are not consistent. The remaining transfers will enable me to cater to my other basic needs like the construction of a decent house and buying food. This will change my livelihood for the better, a transformation that I have wished for a long time.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Despite the many challenges that I face in my life, I am so grateful for my boss who never fails to call me to work at least 2 days a week. This has been giving me hope in life since the $10 I get in every week helps my mother and me to get food. Hence, this is what has brought more joy to my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I work as a casual laborer in the construction sites, a job that earns me $10 only per week. This income is very low because I usually work for only 2 days a week since chances are not consistent. This renders me idle in most cases and I am worried that this can affect my future life. Hence, I consider the lack of a reliable source of income as the main challenge that I am currently facing.
