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 still remember vividly that it was around KES 10 o'clock in the morning when I received the money. I was in my farm planting some vegetables when I decided to call one of my friends and it was at this time when I realized that I had an unread message. Upon reading it, I became so happy as it was my first time to ever own such an amount of money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My daily life is no longer the same as it was before as I now operate my own bodaboda business. Before, I would get so stressed on a bad day as it would reach evening before even earning KES 500 and on these days, I would end up getting nothing after giving my employer his share. At the moment, I can tend to my farm early in the morning and start looking for customers as from 11 am as I now know that every single penny I earn is mine.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving my transfer, I spent KES 35000 to purchase a second-hand motorcycle. I decided on this since I have been operating one for my neighbor and I knew how the business is profitable especially if one operates his own. Currently, I earn KES 500 daily after fueling it and sometimes more on a good day. In addition to this, I spent KES 15500 to purchase some iron sheets. I am planning to commence the construction of a kitchen once I receive my second transfer as I do not have one and I am planning to marry soon. I used the remaining KES 4000 on food.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will help me achieve part of my dreams, I will set aside $500 to buy two Cows and the remaining $500 to buy a second hand motorbike, this will give me some daily income to sustain myself and now I will comfortably marry.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is late in the evening around 8pm EAT, this is usually the time I arrive at home from my casual job(motorbike ridding) having made about $2, this money enables me buy food and other house expenses.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial constraints has been a big set up for me, as a result of this I did not manage to proceed with further education after my secondary education. This is making me think of ways to develop and sustain myself
