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
55000 KES ($450 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?
I would love to own a very big vegetable store where the people from my neighbourhood can be buying from to go and sell in their shops. This would save them time and will be convenient to all. I am saving towards this dream to see it being accomplished.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I really enjoyed and loved this project and would like to see it going to other villages and doing the same.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a mother and seeing my kids sent home due to school fees arrears is the most heartbreaking thing. This pained me a lot and thus with the second transfer I was able to clear that debt of Ksh 17,000 and my kids went back to school to continue with their studies. I was also able to buy three goats at Ksh 9,000 to add to my flock. My kids had torn clothes, I bought them some new clothing for Ksh 5,000. We had also run out of food in my home because of the ongoing drought in the area. I got food for Ksh 6,000. With my entrepreneurial mind I started a small business of selling vegetables in the neighbourhood, and I am happy that we never go a day without food and the other basic needs in my house.
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?
I am an entrepreneur by profession and on this particular day, I was running my normal business where I sell fried potatoes. I received an MPESA text from GiveDirectly and on confirming the balance I was so elated. I was unable to hold my joy as I screamed in happiness jumped up and down crying tears of joy. I did not withdraw the funds immediately, it took me a whole week to withdraw after I had planned well on what to do with the amount.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
GiveDirectly gave me an opportunity to really expand my business prospect by giving me that major boost through the funds received. I was also able to pay school fees for my siblings and moreover, purchase additional food items for the household.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I received KSH 55000 from GiveDirectly and with the funds, I was able to plan the expenditure distributing the amount equally. At home, I have siblings and I was able to support their education by paying their school fees of KSH 23000 ensuring they continue getting a bright future. I topped up food items in the house worth KSH 6000. I also expanded part of my business stock by KSH 5000 ensuring the constant income. I also added to my wardrobe by purchasing some clothes at KSH 2000. The balance of KSH 12000, I put in a savings account for future reference.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means continuing education for my household. I plan to achieve this through livestock keeping. I will spend KES 30,000 to buy ten indigenous goats which do well in my area. As they multiply I will sell at a profit and use it to pay school fees as well as buy stationery. The remaining amount will help me to buy beddings and expand my grocery business. This will enable me to have a regular income that will give me the power to address all needs in the family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In November last year, my brother who is in form two received a bursary of KES 10,000 from the constituency development fund. This brought me joy and happiness because I knew that he will continue with his education without interruption. Besides, it enabled me to use my income for other basic needs such as food and clothing.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The challenge that I am currently facing is food insecurity. This is because I am a single mother of three children staying with my four siblings. My mother is mentally ill while my father lives and works far away from home. He rarely comes home and does not cater to the needs of the family. He is addicted to alcohol and most of his earnings go to alcohol. This led to my mother returning to her parent's home so that she could gets assistance on her condition. I depend on the grocery business which I get proceeds of KES 700 per week. The money is not enough for all the basic needs of family members of eight. All earnings go into buying food. Due to this, I have been struggling to stand forward with the learning expenses of my brothers and sisters.
