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.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Before the transfers, I used to have a shoe business which was my main source of income for six months. The business was not doing well because I started it with low stock since I did not have a good capital. I ended up using most of my business resources to handle personal needs which really affected the stability of the business. The business ended up collapsing because I was not inputting any more resources into the business and had to go back casual work to earn a living. Right now I am still going for casual work as I plan on how to establish my self financially through a business.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life?
Currently, I am focused on starting a business. As per now, I do not have a stable source of income after the first business I had collapsed. My whole needs depended on the business and I was not inputting much hence it had to collapse.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have spent my transfers on savings in my Mpesa account. I am still planning to use the money in starting a business. I would want to use this opportunity given to me by GD through the transfers to establish myself financially. I would not want to go back to the struggles I used to have before the transfers.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($193 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
attach_money
Do you have any new goals that you didn't have before receiving the transfer?
I do not have a new goal. I still want to expand my business because I have identified the benefits of being self-employed as compared to doing casual works which were unreliable and hectic. Getting money every day has motivated me to even think of adding more products in my business and I can never regret starting a business.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have peace of mind knowing that I have no loan. I was tied on a loan which I had taken for my child's education and being able to pay it fully was a relief. I was also able to start a business where I get money by the end of the day. I had never thought of self-employment but I thank GiveDirectly for the financial empowerment.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent a larger portion of my transfer on repaying a loan that I had taken to pay school fees for my child. At that point in time, I was desperate due to lack of money and I could not bear seeing my child staying out of school. I took a risk not knowing where I was going to get money and repay the loan. I normally depend on casual jobs like construction work which are rare to find. Afterward, the remaining amount was spent on starting a business and paid rent. I also gave my mother some amount for her upkeep and finally bought my food.
Describe the moment when you started receiving transfers. How did you feel?
The moment I received the transfer I was overjoyed and shocked at the same time because I thought that it was money sent to a wrong number. I had to calm myself and start planning on the things that I will spend the money on. To date, when I picture this day an involuntary smile forms on my face.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
My first priority is to open a boutique with my first transfer. As a casual labourer it's hard to find a job everyday and its by luck that I get a job in a day. I want to be self employed because that way I will be able to sustain my livelihood. Selling of second hand clothes is highly marketable and profitable in Mathare. This business will enable me to pay for all my needs in time.
My second priority is to support my ex wife in paying school fees for my child. After we separated she moved to Huruma with my son and my job contract ended around the same time. I haven't been able to support my son in any way because the little earning I get is for my rent and food. As a father I feel that I am not responsible enough for his upkeep and that includes paying for his education.
Lastly I will save the remaining money and use it in future for emergencies.
Describe your biggest worry.
My top concern is my family in particular my son who stays with his mother in Huruma. My ex wife and I had marital issues and this led to our separation. At that time I was jobless and she had to take away my son. Though I visit him I would want for him to be part of my daily life. I also worry that I will not provide for his basic needs as a father and that he will not respect me for not showing responsibility.
What are your greatest ambitions?
My ambition is to be financially stable and independent, to have successful businesses, for my businesses to make more profit and open different boutiques in Kenya. My other ambition is to be a role model to my son and to provide all the basic needs to my family. Once my finances increase my ex wife will start respecting me as a responsible father to our son.
Describe your usual day. How do you spend your time?
On my usual day I wake up at around 6:00am in the morning, take a shower then go out and take breakfast at a near by hotel because I barely prepare breakfast at home. After that I head to my group water point and work there by collecting payments from the residents and await for any job opportunities to arise. Since as a group we all depend on the payments from the water point, we each have our day shifts and that is why I have to look for other work during the day. Whenever I find a job I work until 5:00pm then head home, prepare supper and retire to bed.
During my free time I either relax at home, visit my son or hang out with my group members.
