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 ($427 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Currently, my main goal is to start a charcoal-burning business and I will be using my motorcycle to supply charcoal to my customers. With this, I am optimistic about making good profits that will enable me to support my family. This is because I will be in a position to meet my customers' demands on time and aside from reaching many people within a day, I will be able to supply even to those who live far from where I will be operating the business from.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Having an organization that gives people cash without any discrimination in this era where we're facing financial challenges is like finding a treasure. To me, GiveDirectly did a commendable job in our village right from when they started the enrollment process. The financial aid enabled us to achieve our goals in life as we were given the freedom to choose how to spend it and if it were up to us to decide, I would love to get the transfer for a third time.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving my most recent transfer, my priority was on my children's education and investment in what will enable me to generate more income. Due to this, I spent KES 9500 to pay school fees for my children and KES 30000 on the purchase of a motorcycle. Paying their fees on time will enable them to concentrate on their studies since they will not be sent back home due to fee arrears. I am planning to start a charcoal-burning business very soon and owning a motorcycle will make my work easier and increase my income. This is because I will be using it to transport charcoal to my customers on time and fueling it is much cheaper compared to hiring. Using the remaining amount, I bought one sack of maize and other foodstuffs for the family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($481 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was just at home relaxing at around 5 when I heard a message notification from my phone and upon checking I confirmed that I had received the transfers. I was so happy and thanked God because I had pending bills to pay.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
we now have a decent house and we nolonger sleep on cartons.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When darkness falls, my peace of mind disappears. The fear of my house collapsing while sleeping take away my peace. My husband is a motorcycle rider and the KES 200 that he earns per day as a commission is not enough to cater for me and my child and save towards building a house. when we were enrolled in the program we saw it as a good opportunity to build us a decent house. we spend KES 48000 to build a house and the balance to buy a bed and mattress. In nolonger hate evenings anymore because I enjoy sleeping in a safe house and on a bed and mattress. Basically I enjoy my nights nowadays and am so grateful to GiveDirectly for the support.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My husband is a motorcycle taxi rider earning a net of KES 100 daily. He is riding a rented bike meaning he has to pay the owner KES 300 everyday. It's been two years without economic involvement since I was married. When I get this money I want to start a business selling vegetables and other essentials. This way I will be able to supplement his income and together we can effectively take care of our child.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I haven't had a lot of happy moments lately. My has a very low earning of about KES 100 daily which still depends on whether he works. But on few occasions he makes good returns. I can remember one month a go he managed to earn about KES 1500 and did a Christmas shopping for us. I was really happy that day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Since I got married two years ago I have never had any source of income. We depend fully on my husband's income. He is a motorcycle taxi rider in the village and earns about KES 100 daily. This money isn't enough to get basic needs for my family of three. I have been longing to supplement, but I haven't got any source of income yet.
