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?
Through the funds I receive from GiveDirectly I have managed to grow y business because the funds were more of capital for me. This in turn has enabled me to have a form of independence and has given me hope for more endeavours that I could possibly venture into the future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I started my business some time back in order to help take care of my family and their needs, so when I received the funds from GiveDirectly this time I thought it was the right time to get more stock for my business since I now had capital. I went ahead and used the funds to buy more items for my shop which included sardines worth KES 1,600 because they are highly marketable back here in the village and a very common delicacy. I also bought laundry detergent in powder form worth KES 900, then a dozen books and pens worth KES 420. This was enough to ensure my shop keeps growing as I looked for more capital to keep advancing it.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Went I received the transfer message from GiveDirectly, it was around 10am just relaxing at home. Since I do not know how to read, I contacted one of my grandchildren to check for me what the message was all about. I was overwhelmed when they told me that, I had received the first month transfer from GiveDirectly. My heart melted in thanks giving for the support I received and I will be receiving.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is that, my sardines business which I rely on was on the verge of closing. This is because in the month of December which was a festive month, I used a bigger percentage of the capital. This made the business to shake but I am now glad that through the transfer, my business is back to normal.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I withdrew the money for the first transfer, I didn't have much to do since I had been deducted the phone charges of KES 1850.00. In that regard, I took KES 350.00 and bought some food for the family. Since I have been doing some small business of selling some see foods, I used KES 800.00 to expand my business by buying more stock of sardines. This business has been the source of my income to the family. Although the income is very minimal and insufficient to carter for the family needs, I opted to invest it too in the business because it's better a half a bread than none.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I plan to buy about 10 goats for a start, a goat currently goes for about 3,000 KES. I will ensure that with each transfer I get, I make this investment. In time I will exchange them with two cows which will come in handy when it rains and farming kicks off. Buying a cow at the moment is a risk because of the drought, many of them are dying because they have nothing to feed on, they end up feeding on nylon papers which makes digestion difficult.
What is the happiest part of your day?
It has been a challenging year especially with the drought, food being the main challenge. I choose to rejoice every day I see a new day despite the hardships.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Obtaining food has been a major concern. Farming has been my main source of income, but I have not been able to harvest anything this year. We were expecting rains this last two months only to be disappointed. I now depend on my son who works in Mombasa to provide for us. I live with my grandchildren and it is always saddening whenever they have to sleep on an empty stomach or have to prepare porridge as their dinner and go to bed.
