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?
My life is currently different in that I am seeing my dream coming true. I saved part of transfers and after receiving my third transfer I will be able to buy a motorcycle something which has always been my passion. Had I never received the transfer I would not have achieved my dream and I would have always struggle to meet my basic needs with the little money I get my barber shop.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life?
My new goal that I did not have before receiving my transfers is to look for a job that suits my career. I pursued Information Technology in college and I am looking forward to getting a job that matches my career for example working in a cyber. I am also planning to save the income I will get from the motorcycle business and used it to open a cyber cafe business.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my transfer, I started saving part of it since I am planning to buy a motorcycle. I saved all my recent transfer in Kenya Commercial Bank since I am planning to add to my third transfer and used it to buy the motorcycle. I decided to buy the motorcycle since it consumes less fuel and it is a source of daily income. I have lived in Mathare for a long time and I have so many friends hence I will be able to get many customers for my business. Riding a motorcycle has always been my passion and this has always motivated me to get one. This motorcycle business will be a source of income to meet my basic needs.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($196 USD)
access_time 6 years ago
attach_money
Do you have any new goals that you didn't have before receiving the transfer?
The goals I now have are two. I plan to start selling trousers majorly known as plain since they are in high demand and there is no one selling them in my place and I am planning to start this business using my second transfers. I also want to buy a motorcycle so that I can be using it to carry passengers. When I start this work, I will be assured of earning some money daily.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is happiness since I sleep in a more comfortable place and I will not shy away from inviting a friend to sleep with me like before whenI had no matress.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my most recent transfer to pay my house rent since it was the beginning of the month and I did not have money to pay for my house rent, bought a mattress since I used to sleep with my friend and when I received this money I saw the need to acquire one, used some amount to repair my hoover, deposited some amount in my brothers education help fund since we usually contribute some amount every month in aid of his education. I still have 3000 KES which I am saving for emergencies.
Describe the moment when you started receiving transfers. How did you feel?
At first, when I saw the first message I thought it was Kamiti prison people but when I received the second message I was shocked and could not believe my self even after withdrawing the money since I had never received such amount in my life.
Enrolled
access_time 6 years ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Currently I live with my friend and I feel uneasy since can't afford my own house. Due to this I will rent my own house and buy new things to kinda start my own life after which I will get a loan to add to the amount I have to buy a motorcycle to sustain myself.
Describe your biggest worry.
My top concern is breaking the law because it stops one from growing and being who he/she is supposed to be. Personally have ever been caught and it was frustrating and made me feel like am nothing henceforth being nobody, I lost the people I loved and cared for, when I came out of jail was am a stranger in a new country. I want to be an advocate of changed society.
What are your greatest ambitions?
First of all I would want to migrate from where am currently living and be in a better place. Businesswise I would want have several motorcycles so as to create employment opportunities for other young people and the community at large. I would want to have run a company of my own.
Describe your usual day. How do you spend your time?
We have a barber shop which I run with my friend,mostly i stay there just waiting for someone to show up so as to have something at my hand. I always go in a nearby library to do some studies to be updated on what's happening in our country.
