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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($463 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
After planning for the second transfer, some entrepreneurial thoughts crossed my mind. Looking at my grocery business, I feel I should add more stock so that I could serve my customers well as well as get a good profit. Considering that, once I get the money I will ensure that the stock is sufficiently added to my business and I am struggling to do so.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly is a life uplifting organization. I am saying so because, through the first transfer which I received from this organization, I was able to start a grocery business which acts as my source of income. Initially, I had no defined way of getting money unlike today because the business is doing well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon withdrawing the money, I first took KES 30000.00 and saved it for my son who will be joining form one when the schools open. This money will aid me in doing his shopping and school fees. I also used KES 4000.00 to pay school fees for my other four children who are still in primary school. Thereafter I bought three goats for KES 12000.00 and used the remaining amount in buying some food for the family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($485 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 10am when I was just sitting at home relaxing when I heard a message tone from my phone. I asked my child to read and interpret it for me. This was the best news ever that brightened my day. I was informed that I had received the first transfer from GiveDirectly something that made me to jump up and down in happiness since this was my first huge figure I was receiving at once and I knew things were going to work well.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference that is vivid is the kiosk I started. Initially, I was relying on making and selling charcoal which was not something to hold on but since the time I received the transfer, things have changed. My health is gaining now.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since I had no source of income, I opted to start a kiosk business so that it can serve my family and me. The cost of constructing the structure and the items to be sold was around KES 40000.00. Then I paid KES 6000.00 school fees for my children and used the rest to buy some food.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a housewife who depends on my husband, but my ambition has been to work as a business woman ( sells clothes). Due to financial constraints this dream has never come to pass. Receiving this money means attaining my desire. I am planning to spend 40,000 KES on the start. This will generate income to my family of 8 members. In a day I can earn 1,000 KES which is enough to sustain all my family needs such as food. Other than that, I will invest the remaining part of the money to invest on my children school fees. Hoping that they will past and have a bright future ahead.
What is the happiest part of your day?
A month ago, I received a relief food from one of our politician which lasted me for 3 weeks. At the time I was getting this aid, I only had 400 KES in my pocket and my child had also been sent out of school because of exam fee. I had to give out the cash to my child so that he can go back to school. This brought happiness to my life because I had enough food at the same time my child was also able to go back to school.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Unemployment is the biggest hardship I am currently facing. I am a housewife who fully depends on my husband. He works as a charcoal vendor in the village. His earnings of 2500 KES in a week is not enough to cater for all our needs such as food. Approximately, my family of 8 spends 4000 KES in a week.
