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.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving these transfers is that I am able to pay my house rent in time. I have been using the transfers mostly for paying rent on a monthly basis which has really given me an easy time. Since I started doing that, I have developed a very good relationship with my landlord and I have set the pace for my fellow tenants. Secondly, my family has never lacked what to eat ever since I started receiving these transfers. I have always ensured I buy food on a monthly basis which has not only reduced our daily expenditure but has also ensured we always have food on the days when the business did not do well.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life?
My new goal is to boost my foodstuff business. Currently, I am offering my services in the streets which is not healthy and I end up paying a lot of taxes as compared to when I am doing the business in a business premise.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer on paying school fees for my daughter who was joining nursery school. Without the transfers, I would have to take a loan from group to take her to school which would have added me another financial burden.
11th Payment
Transfer Amount
3997 KES ($39 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
financial stability
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life?
establish the business
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
rent 3000
food 997
8th Payment
Transfer Amount
5000 KES ($48 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I was previously working on manual works like cleaning services from which I was getting my daily income, though it was not much reliable. My life is now different because through the money I have been receiving from GiveDirectly, I have managed to open a food kiosk in town. I am getting a better income daily unlike when I was doing the manual jobs.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life?
I recently opened a food kiosk that I am currently operating in town. I aim to develop this kiosk and open a restaurant in the future as I aim to expand my operations to generate more income.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent the whole of my most recent transfer to add stock to my food kiosk which I had been able to open after saving money for quite some time. I purchased adequate stock and utensils that I would use in the running of my business. Due to this, I am now able to serve all of my customers at the same time without running short of utensils.
4th Payment
Transfer Amount
5000 KES ($50 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Do you have any new goals that you didn't have before receiving the transfer?
My new goal is to save part of my monthly transfers and also the income from my business and will use the savings rent a house outside Mathare. I am also planning to expand my business by buying more stock so as to get more income from the business.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is that I have a constant source of income to meet my basic needs. In the past, I used to do casual jobs and the money I got was little and could not meet all my family basic needs. I used to struggle to pay rent but now I am happy since I use part of my transfers to pay rent.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used my most recent transfer to expand my business where I sell chips. When I received my first transfer, I started this business but the income I got was little since the initial capital was little and could not cater all my basic needs. I also used the remaining amount to buy food for my family since I received the money at a time when I did not have enough food for my family.
Describe the moment when you started receiving transfers. How did you feel?
It was seven o'clock in the morning when I received my transfer. I was so happy since I knew that I will use the money to start a new business which I have been thinking of but have never got the capital.
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
My plan is start saving money for six months. I then open a new business that is a cosmetic shop within mathare and lastly use the money for rent and provide for housing needs.
Describe your biggest worry.
My top concern is gang violence and crime because that has been happening for some time and I have seen people losing their lives. Secondly is sexual violence because a lot of young ladies are forced into sex and end up getting pregnant while they are still young and in school. Lastly is unemployment because there is no job opportunities and it's very hard to find one.
What are your greatest ambitions?
My ambitions is to become successful in life by doing different types of business all over mathare. I also want to create job opportunities for others young people in mathare.
Describe your usual day. How do you spend your time?
I wake up early in the morning at 6:00am I prepare for tea then take a quick shower then take tea. I head to eastleigh for house keeping work at a Somali family house. I start working until 4:00pm then come back at home and relax. After relaxing I clean my house then prepare for dinner and eat. I then watch movies and later I sleep. On my free time I visit my mom and help to clean her house.
