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 ($521 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have managed to open a motorcycle spare parts business and created employment to my nephew who works in this shop since is a trustworthy person. The business is now doing very well because of the availability of stock and considering the high demand of the spare parts. With the profits, and income from selling part of my farm produce since I am a farmer providing for my family's needs has become easier which I wouldn't have achieved without GD.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well through involving us in the project as it initiated Barazas at the community entry stage. I do not see what GiveDirectly did wrong.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my second transfer to open up a motorcycle spare parts shop around my village. There has been a surge in the motorcycle business and with the ready market I thought of providing spare parts closer to them. I also bought food with the remaining amount for my family's consumption.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($528 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am always happy and at peace. The fact that Give Directly came into our lives and empowered almost everyone in our home has relieved us from most of the family's burden. My son had completed college and our main aim was to ensure he becomes independent after school. After training, however, he could not secure a job for a long time. When I received this transfer, I started spare parts shop and garage dealing with a variety of automotive such vehicles and motorcycles and employed him to run it, so that he can be earning some cash and not depend on us on everything.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was woken up by a message notification early in the morning. When I checked the message, I realized it was from GiveDirectly. They had sent me the first transfers as they had promised us during the Baraza. I have never been that happy before. I remember celebrating and rejoicing with my family and thanked God for such a blessing as I began the new day activities.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent KES 45000 of my first transfer as start-up capital for a business of selling spare parts and at the same time running a garage in town. I employed my son who is able to run this business because he has the skills and expertise to run the garage. I purchased a variety of spare parts to stock in the garage for motorbikes and bicycles. I am glad that through this venture, I will be earning some cash besides the job that I do currently. I spent a portion of the remaining amount to pay for school fees for my children, also cater for my households needs and other expenses.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Starting a motorbike spare parts business is what receiving this money means to me. As at today, I have a son who has done a mechanics course but he is yet to secure a job. With the help of GiveDirectly unconditional cash transfers, my plan was to offer a capital to him in order to start the business. This will benefit me directly since it will act as our main source of income. On the other hand, I will personally start a poultry farming, to supply chicken at the nearby market. This will change our livelihood, a transformation that I have longed for.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I usually spend the better part of my day at home since as at today, there is no more farm work, considering that I am a farmer. Spending much time with my family chatting and sharing meals together makes me feel so happy. Therefore, I consider afternoon as my happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Being a farmer, I have faced many challenges in terms of meeting my family's basic needs. This is because, rains in our area are unpredictable something that makes our farm produce low. Therefore, I consider recurrent droughts as my biggest hardship.
