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.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is now different in that, I now have my own place unlike before when I used to live with a friend. I am now able to sustain myself and pay my own rent from the transfers as my business slowly picks up.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life?
My goal is to expand my clothes business and to open up another branch in the college where I also study in Thika constituency, Kiambu county.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfers to open up a second hand clothes business. I acquired a stall near where I live in Mathare 4A village where I sell second hand female clothes. Previously, I used to hawk these clothes around Mathare, but at some point early last year, my business regressed and I was not selling the clothes as much, or making much profit out of it. I then went back to construction jobs to sustain myself. It is after I received my second transfers that I acquired a stall in my neighborhood where I sell these clothes. I am glad that the business picked up quite fast and it is currently doing well.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($196 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
attach_money
Do you have any new goals that you didn't have before receiving the transfer?
I am planning to rent a permanent shop where I can sell my clothes and other new products that I will soon bring in. I will also employ my sister who is currently jobless because I feel that in the near future, I will be involved with lots of music recordings and shows, therefore, will not have time be in the shop.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
When I recorded my song, the producer thought it was really nice and promised to add it to certain music sites which would earn me at least 1500KES a month. This is like a regular income which is something I have never had before.
I also revived my cloth business which had collapsed several months ago, and I am happy to say that what I make daily is good enough to take care of all my personal and school needs.I no longer have to hustle or skive school to do casual jobs in order to sustaing myself.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used part of the money to rent a recording studio to record my latest music which I composed several months ago but could not record due to financial difficulties. I also revived my second-hand cloth business which had collapsed in May this year by bringing in new stock and even new products to maximize profits.
Describe the moment when you started receiving transfers. How did you feel?
Honestly, I could not believe that this was true, but the message confirmed it all. I knew right then that my life was going to change because I would use the money to pursue my biggest dream which is becoming a well-known musician.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I I will use this money to invest in a cyber cafe business that will generate to me good profit. I will then use part of this money to pay for my college fees since l am still in college doing Mass Communication at Mount Kenya University then the rest of the money I will save maybe for emergency or any need that may arise .
Describe your biggest worry.
My most worry is always about paying up for my rent since I am still not economically stable and at times I have to hide from the landlord or pretend that I am sick so that he may have mercy on me. I also do worry much about my school fees since l don't pay in time and as times I may miss examination due to fees arrei.
What are your greatest ambitions?
My ambition is to become a very useful person in the society by uplifting and creating opportunities for other youths like me especially in terms of jobs.
Describe your usual day. How do you spend your time?
In my usual day I do go for classes since I am a student doing Mass Communication at Mount Kenya University then after classes I work on some projects ranging from video editing, camera work among others as part of my hustle in the college. While at my free time, I do watch movies and at times hung out with friends and or relax at home. I also sing in a music band.
