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 ($432 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My current goal at the moment is to expand my business. Having two more locations, in and around the centre , would greatly boost both my income as well as our quality of life. In the long run, my family will be in a better place in the future.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly restores hope! I had been employed as a boda boda operator, and to be honest, it was dreadful. The motorbike would get faulty, the police were an issue, and at the end of the day, little was left to offer a decent life for me and my family. GiveDirectly gave me a new lease on life and an opportunity to hold my head high and in dignity as a provider for my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The funds came to me at a critical juncture in my life. I had been thinking about starting a business at Bamba Centre, specifically a barbershop. I spent every waking moment contemplating how I could make this vision a reality. Fortunately, GiveDirectly came to my aid. The transfers enabled me to open a barbershop, where both my brother and I now work. With my wife staying at home and tending to our 10-acre farm, it's up to me to ensure our financial stability through the barbershop. I also purchased three cows, two males and one female, with the intention of eventually having enough for dairy and beef farming. I also increased my goat flock by three females and two males. I want to be able to provide for my family and provide a better future for my child in PP1. We currently pay $10 per school term at Kenyatta Primary, and thanks to the transfers, I was able to get ahead on some of these payments. We will be eternally grateful to Give Directly for everything they have done for our family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($497 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was early in the morning, just before 9 a.m. I was at home preparing to go to my place of employment at the time, a barbershop. I heard my phone beep and got a pleasant surprise when I checked it. I saw a message informing me that I had received KES 55,000. This was one of the happiest moments of my life as I could finally make my dream of being self-employed come true.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Owning a business has been one of my greatest aspirations in life. I knew if I could make that happen, I could afford to provide the basic needs of food, shelter and clothing for my wife and child.
Until a few weeks ago, I was employed as a barber. However, I would take home KES 100 a day only, as I had to share the earnings with the owner. This amount was just not enough to cater for my family's living expenses.
Once I received the transfer from GiveDirectly, however, my life transformed for the better. I was able to set up my barbershop. I now earn up to KES 500 a day. I'm able to provide for my family's needs. I'm so thankful for this blessing.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
One of my greatest desires in life has been to own a business that would enable me to have a source of income. I'm so glad that this transfer has enabled me to do so. I spent KES 39,000 on setting up a barbershop and ensuring that the quality of service is up to par. I also spent KES 15,000 on the purchase of five goats. My family of three now has enough milk supply. Thanks, GD!
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Doing casual jobs has made me struggle a lot financially since they are very unreliable. Receiving this money means income stability for me. My wish has always been to get a consistent source of income that I can rely on. When I receive this money, I plan on opening a barber shop in Bamba shopping centre which is just a walking distance from home. This will cost me approximately 500 USD to set up the whole business. I sometimes work as a casual in one barber shop and I therefore have the skill. Owning one of my own will be a dream come true for me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning. I always feel motivated and hopeful that my day will be a success. Casual jobs need motivation and therefore I feel happy in the morning especially when I wake up healthy and strong ready to look for any available jobs in the nearby shopping centre.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am a 21 year old with one child and currently seperated from my spouse. Financial constraints is what has been my biggest hardship. This is the main reason why I seperated from my wife. The relationship between my family and hers has been the big problem since I was not able to pay the dowry needed. I have only managed to pay half (200 USD) of what is required. Her parents came and took her back 9 months ago leaving me with my daughter who is two and a half years old. Other than the dowry I struggle putting food on the table for my daughter and supporting my parents as well. I depend on casual jobs which pay as little as 2 USD in a day.
