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 ($466 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?
Having exhausted my first transfer in completing most of the plans, I had a pending plan of completing the house that I had started. With part of second transfer I purchased all materials that I needed. I do not have any new goal.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, many households in my village were able to access the unconditional cash transfers which enabled them boost their poor standards of living.We are all thankful for the immense support. I do not have any complain.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receipt of the second transfer, my priority was to purchase materials for completing the house that I had started with my first transfer. With Ksh. 25,000 I bought stones, cement and also paid for labour for floor finishing. .For a long time I had wished to start a welding business having a background in welding I bought welding machine at a cost of Kshs. 35,000.I amso so grateful since my business is now gradually growing and hoping to gain more soon.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($495 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received the transfer I felt so happy. I remember it was around 9am. When I heard a message tone from my phone.I had left home for my daily casual job. When I checked it out I couldn't believe my eyes. There was a message confirming that I have received money from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy and inform my spouse, she was so happy too. I knew I would be able to do the things I had planned before. I stayed for three days and before I withdraw the money. I am so grateful because GiveDirectly has changed our living standards.
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 renovated my shop. I also purchased a machine that I am currently using it. I am a mechanic at the shopping center. I repair cars and motorcycles. This job earns me an income that I used to support my family. I had always wished to purchase a machine but I did not had the money. My work was not easy and sometimes I could borrow the machine from friends. When I received the transfer from GiveDirectly I felt so happy and immediately purchase the machine. Currently I do longer get worried like before. I do my work so well and with ease. This had motivated me and build my self esteem. The income is much higher compare to previous days when I didn't had the machine. My shop is also renovated and looking so decent. GiveDirectly has changed my living standard to be much better and ease my work.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 25,000 to purchase an Ox.I will used the Ox in ploughing my farm ready for planting. I purchased sofa set seats, utensils and food. The rest of the money I renovated NY shop and bought a new machine for my mechanical engineering work. This has ease my work and enable me to improve in my business. I am so grateful for support because GiveDirectly has changed my living standard.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money would mean a diversified source of income. I am a motor vehicle mechanic in a nearby town earning an average wage of Ksh 500 a day. I am a sole provider of a family of 8 and out of these, 5 are school-going children. What I get as a wage is hardly enough to cater to the entire family and meet other education expenses. I, therefore, intend to buy a dairy cow using the first transfer from Give Directly of approximately Ksh 35,000. My projection is to milk 8 liters of milk a day. I will then sell 5 liters at Ksh 35 per liter and consume the rest. Owing to this, I will have diversified my source of income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I usually spend the entire day working as a mechanic in a nearby town. Having time to rest and relax with my family in the evening is the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Low self-esteem has been the biggest hardship I have faced in life. We have been struggling to make ends meet and I am employed as a mechanic in a nearby town. The job itself is tiresome yet I earn an average wage of Ksh 500 a day. I have 5 school-going children, 2 in secondary level and 3 in primary level. In total, I pay approximately Ksh 100,000 per year as school fees. Due to the nature of my work, raising that amount is extremely hard. I at times rely on well-wishers to raise school fees and this has led to a lack of self-esteem.
