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
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Give directly has done well through the cash donations in that our lives have been improved. Additionally, the money has come in handy in times of emergencies. So, in my opinion, there's nowhere give directly has not done well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my first transfer, I used it all to pay my children's school fees. Using my second transfer, since my children had school fees arrears of KES2000, I topped up KES1000 to the KES1000 from give directly to settle the bill. I also improved my business using KES1500 the remaining KES500, I used to buy books for my children.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my first transfer, I felt so happy. It was something that I least expected could come at such time. It was late in the evening at around 4pm and I was just at home because that day I had not opened my business premise. Seeing an Mpesa from GiveDirectly gave hope that my business would pick up again. I definitely had a strong feeling that I would be able to boost my butchery business.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life since I began receiving my transfer is the fact that my butchery business is currently doing pretty well. As a result, I am always able to support my children's education, buy food for my household as well as buying for children new clothes from the business proceeds. Previously, this was hard because I could only get meat to sell from the slaughter. Life so hard and challenging because I could hardly predict how sales would be. Thanks to GiveDirectly for its financial support.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used my most recent transfer to boost by butchery shop. I have been aelling goat meat for a while but towards the end of last year, my business was performing poorly. When I received the transfer of KES 1,200, I already had KES 2500 which I topped up with the transfer to buy a he goat for the business. From then, I have noticed a great improvement in my business. I have been slaughtering a goat after every two days from from which I make a profit of KES 1500. As a result, my living condition has begun to improve. I am so grateful to GiveDirectly for its financial support.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have a food kiosk along the road, my wish was to expand it to get more customers. This wish is going to come true with the money GD is going to be sending to me for the next five years. I plan to save the money for three months then use the money to expand the business. As the business grows, I am going to continue saving the rest as I think of other business ideas to start.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Being able to afford a meal per day amidst all the challenges has brought me joy in my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Getting water has been my main challenge because of the prolonged drought. I walk for three hours to fetch water, carrying water in my head for that long-distance in the scorching sun is tiresome and draining. I pray to rain soon because if it continues like this people might start dying too like animals due to lack of water and food.
