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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($479 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The funds received from GiveDirectly have enabled me to complete a couple of projects such as stock up my spare part business, also paid dowry for my wife and more to that, was able to give my house some finishing touches for a better look.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has in a great way positively impacted livelihoods and people of different communities by ensuring they live comfortably and uplift their living standards.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the 55000Ksh advanced to my MPESA account from GiveDirectly, I was able to channel 20000Ksh to my motorbike spare part selling business by adding more stock. I also set aside 15000Ksh for purchasing cement and for labour cost of finishing up the construction of my house. I was also able to pay up 15000Ksh dowry for my wife who operates a salon nearby. The remaining 5000Ksh, I added to food supplements at home ensuring my wife and kid never sleep hungry.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I am a motorcycle operator and while on my usual duty at around 6:00 pm I heard a beep on my phone. I slowed down as read the message but stayed calm because I did not want the passenger to notice that I had received some money. I dropped him off and hurried home to share the news with my parents. We felt so happy and appreciated Give Directly.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I received the money from Give Directly is the pride of having both my son and spouse back. I have never felt the shame I experienced when my family was taken from me because I could not afford her dowry. This meant that I had failed as a man. I will forever be grateful to Give Directly for the coming through when I least expected.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am motorcycle rider but previously I was employed. When I received the first transfer I paid for a motorcycle deposit of KES 25000 which I will be paying for KES 300 daily for 1 year till I clear the remaining balance then I will fully own it. This is a great relief because I will not have to share the profits with anyone hence my income will improve.
Part of the money I spent on my wife's dowry. We had stayed for years before for her dowry which later sent her parents to take her and our son away until I pay her dowry. It was not easy for me to bear the shame of seeing my family members being taken away because I could not afford her dowry. This lowered my self-esteem and I could not hold any discussion with my friends because I knew they would tease me. I therefore spent KES 17000 on her dowry and finally they are back home. Part of the money I used to purchase building materials for extending my house. I had a single room but it was too small for my family of three.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a senior bachelor with a family of one child. My wife was taken back to her matrimonial home by her parents because I had not paid dowry. She left with my son who is two years old. This has given me a lot of stress because I have to send money every month to take care of the child unlike when we were still together. I am supposed to pay a dowry of 75000 KES. However, raising this money has been almost impossible. I am a motorist who has been hired to work for someone in order to get money. In a day, I can only make 500 KES. This is not daily because sometimes you may get less than that. My desire is to get back my wife and child home so that we can help each other. Upon receiving this money I will, I will pay 25000 KES to my inlaws so that I get back my wife. I will then use the remaining amount to start a business.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Last month I borrowed 15000 KES from our self help group. This money helped me start my motorbike spare parts shop. This made me happy and brought a lot of hope in my life because it gave me light to my dream of having a bigger shop. Many people are now coming to buy from my shop which helps me get some little profit. Though the stock is very small but I am happy with it.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a stable source of income is the main challenge that I am facing. Imagine being a hired motorist and there are no clients to carry. I am paid on commission so in case I do not get enough money as expected by the motorbike owner, I go home with nothing in the pocket. This brings a lot of stress to me because my wife and child depends on me for their survival. My ambition has been to start a spare part shop. This is because, in my village there are very many motorbikes and this will be a good business opportunity for me to make money. Upon receiving the cash transfer, I will use 60000 KES to invest in this business so that I can get money to sustain my family.
