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.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had gone to the shop to do a small shopping when I heard from neighbours saying that GiveDirectly had sent us some money. I had not checked my messages that morning and I was curious to confirm whether it was true. I checked the messages and to my surprise, I had the money on my mpesa account. I felt happy and thanked GiveDirectly for purposing to improve our living standards in our poverty-stricken region.
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 the transfer, I started my own salon business. I am skilled in hairdressing and my plan was to rent a business premise and offer these services to clients. I was initially inviting my clients to my compound and at times doing it under tree shades. I was unable to rent a premise where my customers would be comfortable visiting. I am grateful to GiveDirectly because I am now earning an increased income since I have my own premise and purchased the necessary equipment for this business. The business is now thriving since my clients are free to visit my shop anytime for the services.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have been spending a lot of money on buying water from neighbours who own water taps since there is a persistent water shortage in my region. I am greatly relieved now because, through the transfer, I installed my own water tap and a tank to store enough water. I am now selling the water which has now become a source of income. I purchased the water pipes, and meter and paid for the labour cost involved. I am happy that I am no longer incurring the cost of buying water. Apart from this, I also spent the remaining amount on buying saloon equipment and rented a premise. I am skilled in hairdressing though I was working from home. My clients were however not comfortable with this and at times I had to visit them at their homes. I am happy that I started my own salon and was fully equipped with the necessary equipment which I bought through my first transfer. I also paid for my children's school fees and did shopping for foodstuffs for my family on the small portion that remained.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a sustainable source of income for my family. I am a salonist by professional. I have desired to start my own business due to lack of capital I have not achieved this. I am currently a housewife depending on my spouse who is doing causal jobs in town that earn him KES 7000 per money. This amount is not enough to cater to all our household basic needs. I will use KES 50000 to start my hairdressing business and this will assure me of getting a profit of KES 1000 per day. This business will improve the living standards of our family like eating 3 meals a day. The walls of my house are weak and are almost falling off. I will use KES 30000 to renovate my house and thus create favorable living conditions for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the month of February, my husband surprised me on Valentine's day by giving me a present. He bought me clothes. Finding such love is something that brought happiness to me life. Having someone loving and caring for me is something that makes me enjoy my marriage.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am a housewife and I majorly depend on my husband who is doing causal jobs in town that earn him KES 7000 per month. His earns are very little such that can not fully support the needs of the family. We sometimes skip a meal or even borrow from other relatives something that never gives me peace of mind since I usually feel ashamed. Therefore, I consider the financial crisis as the biggest challenge that I am currently facing.
