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 ($468 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?
With this second transfer I planned on accomplishing the things I didn't finish up during my first transfer hence I do not have new goals.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion , Give directly does well
by giving us the cash through MPESA other than buying things and delivering as promised. This gave everyone a chance to spend the money in acquiring what they needed.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
On receiving the second transfer, I spent Ksh.26,000 in buying material we used in improving the floor of my old house. I am happy that my house floor is no longer dusty. I also used Kshs.16,000 in clearing school fees arrears and also paying tuition fees for the entire term for my children in school. They are all studying well without being sent home. With the remaining amount, I used it in buying household items that we didn't have.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($495 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received the transfer I felt so happy. It was around 9 am when I heard a message tone from my phone. I was on my way back home from my neighbor house. When I checked it out I couldn't believe my eyes. It was a message confirming that I have received money from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy and rushed home to inform my family members. They were so happy and grateful for the support. I knew I would be able to add stock to my retail shop.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have purchased a motorcycle. I had always wished to own one but I didn't had the money. I depend on casual jobs in the village and small retail shop. The amount of money that I get through this is so small and was only for household basic needs and stock to my shop. Currently I earn a daily income of KES 250 from the motorcycle taxi business. I wake up in the morning and comes back home in the evening. This has build my self esteem and confidence in doing the job. I add stock to my business and it's now doing good. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has changed our living standards. Now I have a source of income and I am so happy. I wished to save the money and purchase a new one soon.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 40,000 to purchased a second hand motorcycle. I use it for taxi. This earns me a dairy income of KES 250. I bought material ready to cement the floor of my house. We will no longer being exposed to dusty particals. The rest of the money I added stock to my retail business. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has changed our living standards.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money mean a lot and will go an extra mile in helping my family. I have one child in secondary school. With the transfer that I will get, I will pay Ksh 10,000 for his school fees. I will buy a dairy cow with Ksh 20,000 because right now, I do not own one. I currently buy milk to sell in my shop and with having a cow, I will be able to sell milk and earn some money. I will also use Ksh 10,000 to add more stock to my shop so that I can earn more profit than before.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening because that's the time I go home after doing my business with the satisfaction that I have some money to take care of my family. Seeing my children daily also makes me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I did not attend school because my father did not see any value in attending school. I had to remain at home to look after his cows. With changing times and more people getting educated, competing with them in order to get on with life and earning an income is a challenge. I can say with this, I have not attained any financial freedom because I still have to work hard since I do not have a job, to fend for my family, educate my children and also get something to save.
