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 ($467 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Starting a retail shop business is a new goal that I didn't had because I received the transfer. I depend on casual jobs and small scale farming. This earns me a small income and it was only for basic household items. I did not had an extra income to start any business. I am so happy because currently I am in a position to get some profit.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The registration process were done so well and most of the people received the transfer. They spent it well by building better houses and starting businesses. I do not find anything that GiveDirectly did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 30,000 on starting a retail shop business. This is an investment because I gets profits aftet sales. The profit I retain to increase my stock and grow my business. I hope to manage it well. I spent KES 6,000 to plough my farm, bought seeds and fertilizers. I wished to get good harvest this season because I was in a position to plant at the right time. The rest of the money I bought food and clothes for my children. I am so grateful for the support because GiveDirectly has changed our living standards.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($495 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received the transfer I felt so happy. I remember it was around 10am. When I heard a message tone from my phone. I was from the river to collect water. I stopped and checked it out. I could not believe my eyes. It was a message confirming that I have received money from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy and hurry home to inform my family members. They were so happy and celebrated the good news. I knew I would be able to pay school fees for my children in various schools. I am so grateful because GiveDirectly has changed our living standards.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have completed the construction of the shop that I had started. This has always been my dream. I depend on casual jobs and small scale farming. The amount of money that I get through this is so small and I was not able to buy the building materials. I have children in various schools and the money that I would get was for the school fees and basic household items. I had no other source of income. When I received the transfer from GiveDirectly I felt so happy because I knew I would be able to fulfill my dream. I was able to purchase the materials and paid for the labour. The shop is now completed. I am waiting for the second transfer to buy stock and start the operation immediately. Thos gonna be the source of income for me. I will be able to pay school fees on time. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has changed our living standards.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 18,000 to pay university fees for my daughter, I paid KES 15,000 for my other daughter in secondary school.They were able to study well without being disturbed. I completed the construction and renovation of my shop to look much better and decent. The rest of the money I bought food and clothes for my family members. I am so grateful because GiveDirectly has enabled us to fulfilled our dream.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I will finally fulfill my dream of owning a business. I had started one 11months ago but it stalled due to financial constrains. I plan to finish building the shop and stocking it. This shop will help give me income and sustain my family needs. This will cost me 50 dollars. The rest of the amount I plan to build a house for my children. The current house is not in good shape, too small for them.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening. At this time ,I can rest because I'm done with my days work. I get to spend time and bond with my children, as I help them with school work. My day is usually spent doing my tailoring work which makes me very tired.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship is lack of finances. I'm a construction worker earning at most 18 dollars a month. This work is not sustainable as it's not every day that I get some work to do. This money goes to school fee for my 3 children in school. It gets depleted hence I remain with nothing to meet other basic needs including food. My wife has to work extra hard to cater for other needs like cereals since my farm doesn't produce much due it being a semi arid area.
