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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($494 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Our lives have improved a lot since receipt of the transfer. We are currently enjoying more profits following the expansion of my business. Subsequently, I find it easier to raise school fees for my 3 school-going children. Also, we afford to acquire adequate food items of higher quality than before. Besides, I am certain that my dream goal of purchasing a piece of land shall materialize soon. Thanks GiveDirectly.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does well by offering the aid as unconditional cash transfers. This would allow recipients to use them according to their varying priorities and preferences. On the other hand, I find nothing that GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I saved 400 USD of my second transfer since I intend to purchase a piece of land. As a single and unmarried mother, I have yearned to own a piece of land to increase my resources and wealth. I used the remaining 130 USD on expanding my business of trading second-hand clothes in nearby open markets. I am always aiming at expanding my business to attract more profits because the current gains are relatively low.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($494 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received the Mpesa notification SMS at around six in the morning, I was overwhelmed with happiness and fear at the same time because I hadn't received such a huge amount of money before. I was restless until I withdrew the money and can't be grateful enough to GD
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is happiness because through the transfers I got capital to start my second hand clothes business which is doing quite well. I was also able to buy a bed and a mattress which I couldn't afford before. I have been sleeping on the floor all my life and now I learning to sleep on a bed and it's awesome and my kid's couldn't be happier for this.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent 200 USD as capital for mysecond hand clothes business because it generates more profit as compared to initial soap business I had. I spent 100 USD on a bed , mattress and furniture, and cooking utensils. This is because as a single mom I couldn't afford even a bed and I have slept on the floor all my life and I used to it. I also spent on KES 50 USD on clothing, 10 USD on maize seeds because it's planting season. I have also saved 170 USD for purchase of a piece of land because I am still living in my parents house.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Have been struggling for long to have a place that I own as my home being a single mother. Receiving this transfer am sure I will meet my dream and purchase one point of land at a cost of shillings fourty thousand and the remaining amount I will use to support my entire family with food stuffs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I consider morning hours as my happiest part of my day. At this time am able to meet all my family members to talk about the previous day as we take breakfast together.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Since I lost my mother for like ten years now. The hardship have gone through is how to provide for my family with enough food.Being a single mother of three and my brothers and sisters depends on me too and I depend on casual labouring only.
