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?
It was around 11.30pm while asleep when I heard an SMS alert on my phone. On checking, I confirmed to have received KES55000 from GiveDirectly. I was very excited and could barely sleep that night.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving the transfers is increment of my clothing stock hence increased income.
Before, I used to make KES1000 profit a day but now with GiveDirectly transfers I make a profit of KES2000 a day. Nowadays, I have food in bulk which I couldn't afford before and I no longer go to the river.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES25000 on 3200 litres water tank because of water scarcity in our area and the nearest water source is 45minutes away.
I spent KES5000 on two sacks of maize, KES10000 on increasing stock for my clothing business and KES7000 on my kids clothing.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will bring a paradigm shift to my small business. I started the business two months ago albeit with small capital. Life is a struggle and I had to push myself for better. I deal in selling second hand clothes in the village.I hawk them from house to house and there is high demand for the products. To meet the demand, it needs high capital which I was not able to raise. Give directly came at a perfect time. I intend to use KES 40000 to boost my capital and use the rest of the money to finish some construction for our house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Last month our cow calved. It gave us alot of joy because we are sufficient in terms of milk production.It is producing upto 4 liters per day.We also sell the surplus and it has enhanced our family income. It is a small win for us but means a lot. It is the only thing we can depend to earn a living since maize farming no longer does well in our area .
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest challenge we face is the inadequate disposable income for use. I had wanted to enrol for a certificate course in nutrition and dietetics but it was not possible because of inadequate funds. I resorted to start the small business with the little we could raise with a view of raising money that may enable me further my studies. I completed form four and I am passionate about furthering my education in order to be a nutritionist in future.
