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
55000 KES ($450 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?
In the next year, I am praying and believing that I shall be able to buy a vehicle. With the progress that we have steadily made as a household, I believe that a vehicle will be within reach in due time. It would make both ,my business and ,my home life a lot more conducive. Ferrying charcoal by boda boda is very tiresome and takes a toll on me by days end.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I genuinely never believed that someone, or even an organisation, could come out of the blue and offer me life changing money, at no interest and with no strings attached. GiveDirectly found me at my lowest and were able to uplift me and that is what I feel they do best, uplift and change recipients lives! The only criticism I have is that they did not reach everyone. A lot of people around me are equally in need of assistance as I was when a GiveDirectly came to my rescue. If they could find a way to assist even more people in my area, that would be excellent!!!
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
As a charcoal business owner, my income is sought slowly and steadily. Needless to say, the funds from GiveDirectly were a welcome boost in mine and my family's quality of living. I usually ferry charcoal to Mombasa Market via my motor bike, to the business that my wife oversees while I handle other matters. The funds allowed us to buy a plot of 50 by 100 meters on which we built a restaurant, 2 cows and 1 goat, took my motor bike to the mechanics' bought food, furniture and mattresses, all of which were things we would have struggled to achieve in as short as span as we did. Part of the funds also went to my kids education fees. My eldest is in Grade 3 at and my second born in PP2, both at Darajani Primary School, where I pay KES. 350 and KES. 270 respectively per term. In addition to this, I cleared a school arrears debt I had of KES. 2,500. As for my youngest 2 year old, she benefited from the groceries we got, of which her food was made with. GiveDirectly truly changed our lives and we are eternally great full.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($471 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Receiving the transfers was of great help to me. I never believed I would be amongst those who would be chosen in the program. I received it with alot of gratitude as I had so much of the family's needs yet I was financially unstable by then.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is that my business of selling charcoal is now manageable. With the motorcycle in good condition, I do the supplies to as many clients as possible on a daily basis unlike before when I could deliver in foot limiting me to the number of clients I could reach to.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I own a small business of selling charcoal.Before the transfers I could deliver on foot since my motorcycle was not in a good condition. When I received the transfers I managed to repair it and this easened delivery as I could deliver to many clients within a very short time. I used Kshs 10,000 to replace the worn out parts.
I had a grass thatched house which could collapse anytime, with the transfers , I demolished it and built a very modern house which could occupy all my family members. This costed Kshs 30,000 inclusive labor cost.
I am a parent of two boys, who are in form two and class seven respectively. I used Kshs 15,000 to buy them school fees and to clear the school fees.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I feel like I have failed my family in terms of housing. I was fortunate enough to build a house but later ran out of money before completing it. My focus now is to see it into completion before committing to doing something else. Another project that I would like to do after my house is done and fully furnished is to repair my motorcycle that helps me with my charcoal business. The engine is worn out and I need to repair it as soon as possible before it stops working. My last project is to finish building some business premises that I had started in a nearby market center but had to pause due to insufficient flow of cash from the business. All the above projects will cost 20,000 KES, 5,400 KES, and 9,500 KES respectively The remaining balance will help in paying school fees for my children and feeding my family for a few months as the business picks up. Receiving this money, therefore, means a sustainable living standard for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
When I received news that there is an organization that is giving financial aid, I was very happy because I knew that it will be a breakthrough in my life and that of my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My charcoal business is not doing good. Getting consistent customers is not that easy due to the poor economy of our country. The family looks up to me to provide for their daily bread which sometimes is not easy. It is frustrating and stressful most of the time because of lack of clients to sell to. Insufficient flow of money and lack of customers is therefore my biggest challenge.
