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 ($493 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different than how it would have been if I never received the transfers in that I was able to pay my college fees for three semesters. Currently I am pursuing a diploma course during the school holidays. Before GiveDirectly came to our area I had started a diploma course but I had to defer because I didn't had the school fees. This was demoralizing because whenever I see my friends studying I just admired them. After defering my studying I started to engage on casual jobs, my aim was to save money to go back to college. I did this for quite some time, when GiveDirectly came to our area, I saw light at the end of the tunnel. When I received the second transfer I found it Worth to embark on my journey of pursuing my career. I paid college fees for three semesters. Currently I do go for studies during the holidays and do my causal jobs during part time. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has enabled me to achieve this goal.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion GiveDirectly does well by giving money to the poor in the community to buy water tank and to buy build better houses. I do not find anything that GiveDirectly did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of the money I received from GiveDirectly on building a better house for my family. I also used part of it on paying my college fees for three semesters. The rest of the money I bought food and clothes. I am so grateful because GiveDirectly has changed my living standard.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($494 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was 6:58am when I was preparing tea in the kitchen when I saw the message from MPESA and on looking at it, it was the transfer from GiveDirectly. I showed my husband who was there with me and he too was happy as I was with the thoughts that my dream of starting a business was going to come true.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The clothes business that I started is doing so well that I am making good profit. It is a festive season and my customers are my fellow recipients and they all have money so the market is doing well. From the profits I make, I am able to buy basic needs for my family and we do not lack anything. The cow that I bought is one that I also milk and sell the surplus and this has increased our income.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I bought a cow which I am milking right now. I also started a clothes business which is doing well.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have been aspiring to start a business for close to 5 years now. I like business because it comes with financial independence. It also guarantees daily profits, unlike other ventures that dictate that you wait for a certain number of days to get paid. I specifically want to start a mobile money business and I plan to inject a whopping 100000 shillings into the same. Out of this investment, I will make a profit of not less than 20000 shillings each and every month. This will sufficiently cater for my family's expenses also have enough to save for a rainy day.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I find happiness in my mornings. Every time I wake up full of health and strength automatically brings happiness to my heart. I always thank God for keeping me on His wake up list.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
In the year 2018, my husband and I bought a motorcycle on credit from one of the leading suppliers in Bomet town. We deposited 20000 shillings and agreed that we will be paying a daily installment of 350 shillings for 1 year. We diligently serviced our loan for 8 good months before we started defaulting because of a financial crisis that we never foresaw. Things started getting worse by the day and it became impossible to continue servicing our loan. The supplier made numerous reminders until they finally came for their motorbike. The ordeal left us devastated not knowing what to do until we ultimately decided to let go.
