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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3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
50000 KES ($488 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I believe that my life has changed because of the transfers because I have been able to take care of my financial needs at school such as activity fee. I am also able to pay my transport fee to and from the school on a day to day basis without having to ask for money from my relatives especially my brother.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life?
I have a goal of accomplishing finishing my studies at the college level. I have to make sure that I fully concentrate on my studies so that I perform exceptionally well in my exams.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used the last transfers on paying my school fees amounting to around 20000 and paying my hostel rental requirements amounting to around 10000 KES. I also used the money to pay our rent back here in Mathare where I have been living with my brother. The rental charges at this place are normally approximately 3000 KES every month. What remained after all the above expenditures went into taking care of our daily needs such as food and transport expenditures to various destinations within the city.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
36800 KES ($364 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is very different from how it was before. This is because I do not have to do extra works anymore to pay my school fees this has seen my performance improve given that my concentration has also increased.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life?
I currently do not have any goals. I am focusing on finishing my studies so all the transfers to help me have a peaceful and easy stay at school.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my recent transfers, I paid my school fees arrears to enable me resume my classes. The reaming amount I paid rent for the entire semester, l bought food for my household and kept aside some amount for transport and other personal effects.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($200 USD)
access_time almost 6 years ago
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Do you have any new goals that you didn't have before receiving the transfer?
My goal is to go back to school and study Electrical Engineering so I can have the career I always wanted.
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 cleared my high school arrears and obtained my school leaving certificate. I can now join college and achieve my dreams of studying Electrical Engineering.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfers to clear my high school arrears so I could obtain my high school certificate. I completed high school in the year 2017 but my leaving certificate was retained due to a fee balance of 10000 KES. I was orphaned at a young age and the only sibling I have left is my elder brother whom I have lived with here in Mathare, almost all my life. I used to do casual jobs to pay my school fees, with some help also from my brother. I have always dreamt of going to college to study Electrical Engineering, but my high school certificate was retained in school. I was happy when I received my transfers as I knew I would finally get my certificate. I also spent the transfers to pay a debt of 5000 KES that I owed my elder brother.
Describe the moment when you started receiving transfers. How did you feel?
I had just woken up and the first thing I did was to reach to my phone to check for any messages or missed calls, like I usually did every morning. The first thing I saw was the Mpesa message. I was shocked at first as I thought someone had sent money to my phone mistakenly. I then saw the message from Give Directly and that is when I knew that I had received the transfers. I was very very happy as I knew that finally I would clear my fees and obtain my leaving certificate.
Enrolled
access_time 6 years ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I prioritize like that because first I would like to start my own boutique because I have done my own research and have seen it has good profit and therefore I will have a stable income. Secondly I will go back and finish my education and do electrical course that I didn't finish and lastly, this money will also help me to pay part of my rent before my business stablilize.
Describe your biggest worry.
My top concern is lack of rent because without paying rent definitely you can be chased out of the house anytime. Secondly, unemployment is my concern because without employment one can't be able to get income and support daily needs and lastly being idle is another worry because an idle mind is devils workshop and that is why most youths are engaged in criminal activities.
What are your greatest ambitions?
My ambition in life is to be my own boss. I want to have my own business and even employ other people in my business. I want to be a recognize and respected business person both for food and non food items.
Describe your usual day. How do you spend your time?
In the morning once I wake up I prepare myself then go to supply water as always since am a water vendor up-to 1pm them I go play football and do my exercise because I am a football player of shofco team up-to 5pm. Then go back home take shower and relax watching movies. Later I go look for supper cook then eat afterwards I go to bed.
