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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.
Stages:
 
Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Mamake's Profile
Mamake's family
Mamake
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Tailoring
faceAge:
33
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($490 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My tailoring businesses would not have been in existence at this time. Using a leased machine is into whatever little profits I could make. With the money, I bought a sewing machine that I am proud to own. I also have enough clothes making materials that have really boosted my business.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly sends money right to my phone without having to use other middlemen. like the government and other organizations do. This program has been implemented within a very short time that allowed me to timely implement my ideas.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent the second transfer on starting a clothes-making business. I had earlier trained myself on tailoring but had not started harvesting the fruits of my labor. I used to lease a sewing machine from time to time and this was not making any business sense. I, therefore, used my transfer to buy the machine that I needed very much. I am now working independently and making more profits than before.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($519 USD)
access_time almost 4 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
When I received the money, I was so happy. I have never come expected to receive some amount especially at that time. I have been longing to have so much amount to enable me start my own business. This was an answered prayer. I am grateful given that I can now run my own business.
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 no longer pay someone to use their sewing machine. I now save the Kes 400 instead. I will use this money to boost my business. I am now self reliant and able to comfortably take care of my family with much ease. With this business growing, I am planning to open more shops and make more money.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent the money I received from GiveDirectly on purchasing a sewing machine. With this I managed to start clothes making business to enable me earn some Income. I used to have some lease me a machine Instead and I had to pay her Kes 400 per month which was not easy to get as sometimes business is low.
 
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Although tailoring is my profession, I do not own a sewing machine and currently I use a hired one. This requires that I pay 400 shillings every month to the owner. However, sometimes I can go for up to 4 months without paying since I do not earn enough. My ambition therefore is to start a tailoring shop that will include purchasing all the necessary equipments plus fabrics for sale. This business will generate sufficient income to take care of my family. Besides I will purchase a more productive piece of land to scale up farming hence solving food insecurity in my household.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the afternoon when my children are back from school. Having my family around is such a joy because they keep me company and reduce the boredom.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial instability as a result of unstable source of income is my biggest hardship. This problem has made provision of basic needs to be a great hustle. My husband relies on casual jobs which are hard to come by and he can spend a whole week without earning. This means I have to go an extra mile to make ends meet for my family.