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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($442 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?
My main focus now is on my small business of selling shoes. I wish to grow this business to the next level. I have invested my time and money and I wish to make it the best and earn some profit to meet the needs of my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDiretly conducts their training before giving out the transfer. This has enabled the community members to learn so many things that have helped them so far. Most people were able to invest their money well and this has improved their standard of living. I do not find anything that GiveDirectly did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 20,000 on starting a business selling shoes. I have always wanted to start this business but I did not have the capital; I am so grateful that it has been positive now. I wish to ensure that it grows to the next bigger level and I will be able to meet the demand of my customers. I spent KES 25,000 on purchasing a heifer. I always buy milk daily and this is so costly for me. I will cut this cost when it reproduces in the next few months. I will use the money which I could have used to meet other basic needs. The remaining amount of money I spent on food and household items.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($482 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 9 am while at home weeding my onions. That's when I heard a message alert on my phone. On checking, I confirmed to have received KES 55,000 from GiveDirectly. I was very happy because it came as a surprise and I withdrew three days later.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I received my transfers is revival of my second hand shoe and clothes business which I had closed down. Before GiveDirectly, I used to get a profit of KES 1,000 on a good day but now after adding of stock using GiveDirectly transfers I can get up to KES 3, 000 profits. The income helps in household consumption.
Secondly, GiveDirectly has also enabled complete my semi permanent house which was incomplete due to shortage of funds.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I started building my 45 Iron roofed semi-permanent house in February last year. But I ran short of funds to do the floor, ceiling, and walls. Therefore, on the arrival of the transfers, I used KES 25,000 on the purchase of construction materials. Of this, KES 10,000 was used on ten bags of cement, KES 1000 on wall paint, KES 1500 on the sand, and KES 3000 on the ballast.
Secondly, when I retired from my teaching job about three years ago I started a second hand shoes an clothes.But due to Covid 19 outbreak I closed down the business due to low returns. Therefore, when I received the transfers I used KES 10,000 on adding more stock to the business. The income will not only help in school fees payment but also in house hold consumption.
Lastly, I have saved the rest towards payment of house construction labor costs.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a business man and I sell second hand clothes in the markets around. This is what enables my family of three to afford food and buy other basic needs. On an ideal day my profit goes upto KES. 1000, and this happens only two times in a week. I would like to upgrade this business buy increasing the stock as this will also widen my income. I am glad that Givedirectly transfers will enable me realise my ambitions which I have been thinking to pursue. I plan to spend the second transfers which is KES. 50,000 for this business. The second transfers will also allow me to buy two dairy cattle at a cost of KES. 40,000.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I started this business for selling second hand clothes three months ago. I earn KES. 2000 in a week which has since enabled us to afford food. My children are now happy and the can go to school without any challenge. This makes me feel honoured and happy as a parent.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Currently my challenge is lack of an income in my home. The current business that I do earns me an average of KES.2000 in a week. My responsibilities are overwhelming, and at my age i am not able to do other casual jobs to subsidies my normal income. This transfers will be a big relief to me.
