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 it would have been if I had never received the transfer in that, through the transfer, I was able to fulfill my desire of owning a rental house. I was able to purchase the build materials and constructed 4 rental shops, My plan is to rent them out once I finalized the construction.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in supporting the extremely poor households in society through the cash transfer program. Everything that it does is well, but my opinion is, the organization should come up with ways that could curb adverse events that might arise due to the transfers.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had acquired a plot near our market centre some years ago. My desire has been to construct rental shops whenever I get enough money. After receiving my money, I spent it to purchase building materials, which include 3 lorries of building stones at $270 each, cement and sand. After purchasing the materials, I had additional cash which I had saved I used it to construct 4 business rooms. My plan is to rent them out and I will be able to earn $15 per month for each room.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had gone for my lunch break from my work in a nearby cafe when I received a message in my phone. When I checked the contents, it was an Mpesa from GiveDirectly, I had received my first transfer. I was overwhelmed with joy having received the financial support.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that through this transfer, I managed to fix a 500m water tap for my household. I paid for the necessary expenses and bought water pipes for this project. Again, I paid for the labour cost required. I have been buying water daily from neighbours and it was expensive for me. Having my own tap means I will no longer be incurring costs on water. I will be selling the water and earn an income.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had began a project of fixing a 500m water tap on my compound which stalled due to lack financial resources. I have been buying water daily from my neighbours which was expensive for me. Having my own water tap will relieve me the cost of buying daily. Thus when I received the transfer, I bought the required pipes and paid for the labour cost. When this project is done, I am assured of pumping enough water for my domestic use and also sell at a fee thus earning an income. I am happy that I will no longer be incurring costs on water once this is done.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
When I receive this money, I will start by venturing into business.I will start a motorcycle spare parts shop with 50,000 Kenya shillings.Motorcycles are the main means of transport in this area and this is what made me think of this business. I will also use 40,000 Kenya shillings to buy 2 cows. This will provide my family with milk for consumption and for sale.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I usually wake up everyday at 6.30am to work and return home at 5.30pm. Everyday I have a lot of work to do such as printing,typing,welcoming visitors and I get tired. Evening is the time I rest and spend more time with family. Evening is therefore the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I work as a clerk at a nearby office. The income I get every month is 15,000 Kenya shillings which is not enough to start my business as well as venturing into livestock keeping so I can better provide for my family in terms of food and education. Lack of capital is therefore the biggest hardship in my life.
