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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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Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Rachael's Profile
Rachael's family
Rachael
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
31
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($405 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
in the coming year and beyond to raise more cash and open a retail shop business. This is because I do not make enough profit from the local brew, and for that reason, I have not been able to support my family. Therefore, this will be an additional source of income for me, and I trust I will no longer struggle to fend for my children's needs, especially paying their school fees.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in my entire region by ensuring that every household was visited and fairly enrolled. This exercise enhanced harmony among us in the village. Also, for now, my life has greatly transformed, which is a result of unconditional transfers. Therefore, I do not see anything that needs to be changed, even as they move to the next village.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on purchasing a new metal door for $70 and fixing it in my house. I felt I needed sufficient security after experiencing unending theft issues. Also, I bought a few pieces of iron sheeting to complete putting up a stall that was under construction. This was specifically for the local brew business that I had been operating earlier. As an entrepreneur, I am now relieved of the burden of paying rent to my friends, since it used to be a loss to me. At times, I was not able to pay the rent, and I could end up closing the shops, which could affect my family financially. To add to that, I bought four goats, which cost around $280. I specifically bought them for my six school-going children. By the time they will be joining high schools and colleges, their numbers will have multiplied. Therefore, this will prevent them from discontinuing their studies.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($442 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I will never forget the day I received my transfer. This is because I was at the hospital where I had just welcomed my newborn. My phone was on the table when I heard it ringing, Since I was in the hospital bed, I recall asking my mother inlaw to pass the phone over. I was so happy the moment I confirmed that I had received money from GiveDirectly, It was a double blessing due to the fact that I had welcomed my bundle of joy the same day. I knew that I would have enough food in the house, thus, I am grateful.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Knowing that I will no longer be paying rent for my shop every month is the biggest difference. This dream was not possible before due to school fees and responsibilities. I am also grateful that the transfer came at the right time of need when I had just given birth, as it allowed me to stock enough food which was helpful.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
We are blessed to have six children, and my husband works at a construction company. I own a small business. I decided to purchase building materials with my initial transfer so I could construct a business house. I have been paying rent for a while now, and it was quite expensive and difficult to come up with the money. Due to economical limitations, I, therefore, used $350 to build the shop. In addition, I spent $150 on two goats and $10 on school tuition for my kids. Lastly, I spent the remaining money on food. I'm incredibly grateful for the help that has made our lives so wonderful.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I bought a piece of land some four months ago at the village's shopping center, but haven't done anything with it since. This is because I haven't had any overhead to spend on such projects. With this grant, I'll be able to put up a structure that I can build my business around. I plan to do several units so that I can have one for my business and also rent out the rest. I haven't been getting bigger profit margins because of high operational cost due to the fact that I pay house rent. This might take around $1000 but as an investment with good returns guaranteed.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I must say this has been a great season for me, starting from last month I have made good sales most of the days. I told you I do make $10 in two days averagely, but in these two months it's been $10 a day most of the time. Even though I haven't received GD's money yet, I must say this is as a result of it's effect as it has improved my clients' purchasing power. I can't be happier for sure!
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I do not have a reliable source of income. I'm a mother of five living with my husband and my children. Two of them are already attending a local grade school both paying school fees of $50 per academic term. My husband used to be a taxi driver in Malindi town but he stopped a year ago due to low daily income of just $2 he was generating from it. Currently he got a job as a casual labourer with a Chinese company constructing a particular road nearby, a job that he just got two week ago and has not yet earned from it. Personally, I sell palm wine at this village's shopping center. This earns me around $10 in two days. As a family we've been surviving with this, though not enough to pay all our bills.