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 ($467 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My new goal is to restock my existing maize business. I only buy one sack of maize which I sell in small quantities and it gives fairly good returns. However, adding more stock means more customers which leads to improved daily profit. With an improved profit, I can be able to sustain daily household needs.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Givedirectly did well by giving a lump sum amount of cash transfers which enabled us to work on long-term projects. We are also grateful for the kind officers who took us through all stages of enrollment until all transfers were received.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With my family growing, I prioritized constructing a two-roomed spacious house after receiving my second transfer. After a discussion with my wife, I bought construction materials i.e iron sheets, timber, nails, and also labor inclusive worth Kshs 48,450. The house is fully complete and we are enjoying spacious rooms.With the remaining amount, I bought clothes for my two family members.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($507 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home enjoying a cup of tea, meditating on how the day will look like, when I heard my phone ringing, upon checking, I saw a mpesa alert showing that I had received the promised transfer, I was short of words at first, I was quiet for a while then I informed my wife who was equally happy and excited, God had answered our prayer, We are still thankful for the support.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I have a small kid who is depending on milk daily, this was very expensive because 1 litre of milk sells at $4, a tin of maize is sold at 1 dollar, with this I was overwhelmed, due to my little income, Therefore the biggest difference is that I now have two dairy cows which am hopeful that shortly, I will be able to have adequate surplus for my family and also be able to sell the rest, I no longer worry about buying milk daily because I have enough foodstuff to the last for a while. I am grateful for the support which gave me hope in life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a motorbike rider who depends on a rented bike to earn a living, am supposed to pay $3 for the bike daily but with the harsh economical state that is not possible, a time left with little or nothing, I have a young child you depend on milk daily which is very expensive to afford due to my little income, When I received my transfer, my plans were already in place, therefore I purchased a bag of maize worth $35 to ensure that my family will have enough food supply, In addition to that, I bought two daily cows worth $30, and finally, I purchased two goats worth $54.this is indeed a dream come true.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means an improved living standard. We have only one house which is used as a kitchen and as the main house. My ambition has been to build a separate house to act as a kitchen. The reason behind this is we have a 3 months old child and the smoke is too much for him which is a health hazard for him. We intend to spend approximately Ksh 20,000 to put up a different house which will be used as a kitchen. By doing so, I feel to have improved my family's living standard.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Since I am a motorbike taxi rider, my job entails waking up early in the morning and come back late in the evening. Getting back home in the evening safe and with some cash for my family is the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in life is the inadequacy of funds. I am a motorbike taxi rider. I get an average of approximately Ksh 300 a day. We equally share that money with my parents who are at the sunset age of their life. This money is hardly enough to cater to a family of 3. Apart from the meager income I get, the job itself is tedious because it requires one to wake up early and work tirelessly in searching for clients. Something that I have never dreamt of doing in my life.
