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
25500 KES ($248 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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How is your life currently different from how it was four months ago?
My life is currently different from the way it was four months ago in that I now have a bigger decent house which comfortably fit my large family. Initially, I used to live in a tiny house. It used to be so uncomfortable living with my kids who are fast approaching their teenage years. I used to feel embarrassed and my neighbors used to make fun of me. I am glad I finally got the means to build one courtesy of GiveDirectly.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life for the next four months?
Previously, I had a restaurant but after my spouse lost his job I couldn't sustain it. My husband used to support me run the business and ensure it was active by restocking the supplies. Since it had not been steady enough to stand on its own, it ended up collapsing. Currently, I have the goal of looking for a way to raise money so that I can revive the business.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life in the last four months preceding the current transfer.
The pride of every person is to own a decent house. For some years I have been staying in a single room house which was so small to accommodate my large family. It was shameful and people used to mock me. I'm happy and proud I was able to construct a four-roomed house using the transfers I received from Give Directly. Probably I would still be the laughing stock in my neighborhood was it not for this organization. I really thank them for coming to my rescue.
How do you expect your life to change in the next six months?
Currently, I do not have a reliable source of income. The only source of income I have is burning charcoal for sale and the income I earn from it can only cater for the basic needs such as food. For the next six months of my life, I would wish to start up a business but this can only happen if I get the capital.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
25000 KES ($249 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving payments from GiveDirectly is that, I have a reliable source of income since I started a business using the transfers unlike before where I had to struggle looking for money from selling charcoal.
How do you expect your life to change in the next six months?
I expect my life to change in the next six months in that, my business will be steady, I will be able to use the profits for my business to paying school for my child easily and also take care of my other needs without borrowing.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is currently different from how it would have been if I never received the transfer in that, I have started a hotel business and I can say that I get income from it which unlike before.
Do you have any new goals that you didn't have before receiving the transfer?
My new goal is to build a spacious home since the current one is very small and my children have to sleep at the neighbour's house.
Enrolled
access_time 6 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I am facing currently is lack of stable income to support my family since the little Money I earn from the charcoal business is hardly enough to feed and get other basic needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is at night when I retire to bed because I am done with my days activities and I can get some rest.
What are you planning to spend your transfer on?
Charcoal Business
What is the achievement you are proudest of?
The achievement I am proudest of is having bought materials that I used to build a house at home from the little money I saved when I was working in an hotel in Nairobi.
