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.
How is your life currently different from how it was four months ago?
Life is different because If I compare the amount of stock which I have been buying in the past and what I buy currently then I can clearly see a huge difference. Basically I can say that my profits have increased significantly over the last few months.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life for the next four months?
My goal currently is to make sure that I buy a goat and most probably add one or two sheep which I will add to my stock of animals that I already have. I love animal farming and I see myself expanding my territory going into the future.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life in the last four months preceding the current transfer.
The biggest difference for me is that I have been able to boost my small scale business which was not doing quite well in the past. I initially used to purchase a limited amount of goods that also moved at a slow pace. Things have however changed over the last couple of months because I have been able to increase my stock capacity which at the end of the day translates to more profits.
How do you expect your life to change in the next six months?
Currently, I do my business in an open air space, which is quite uncomfortable considering that at times I have to endure the harsh weather conditions. So I am now planning to build a small business premise where I will be conducting my business going into the future.
16th Payment
Transfer Amount
2280 KES ($22 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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How is your life currently different from how it was four months ago?
My life is currently different from how it was in that, I budget well. I have learned to prioritize how to use my money. This has really helped me in balancing the amount to put in my business and pay school fees for my child.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life for the next four months?
My new goal is to have a business premise. I have been moving my products from the house to the market which is far and displaying them on a table. I want to have a place where I can lock my goods when I close my business in the evening because carrying them every day to the market is hectic. I also know that having a decent business premise will attract more customers.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life in the last four months preceding the current transfer.
The biggest difference in my daily life in the last four months is that I was able to boost my business. I had started my business one year ago but it was not stable. I have seen progress because the profits have increased and I was able to use them in taking care of my needs easily. Previously, I could not manage to boost it because the little that I got could only sustain the business and some few needs but could not expand it.
How do you expect your life to change in the next six months?
I expect my life to change in the next six months in that, I will have built a business premise. Currently, I carry my goods from the house to the market place every day. I normally display my goods on a table but I will be happy if I manage to lock my goods in the premise after work because carrying them has been hectic every day to the market place.
12th Payment
Transfer Amount
2280 KES ($23 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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How is your life currently different from how it was four months ago?
Currently, My life is different in that I been able to meet my needs with the profits of the business and boost it as well. As a result pay school fees for my children is no longer a problem unlike before when the business wouldn't make much due to lack of stock.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life for the next four months?
My new goal in the four months is to save part of the profits from the business and buy two goats .With the goats, I believe I will earn an extra income through the sale of some of them to cater for my needs in future.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life in the last four months preceding the current transfer.
I used to worry about my business which is my main source income that it would collapse. This demotivated in life because I didn't know where else I would have gotten money to provide basic needs for my family and also educate my children. The biggest difference in my daily life in that I been able to meet my needs with the profits of the business and boost it as well. I can also pay school fees for my children without fail.
How do you expect your life to change in the next six months?
I expect my life to change in the next six months, in that I will be able to boost my business to a point where it's stable and sustainable hence planning my life with the profits won't be a challege.
7th Payment
Transfer Amount
2280 KES ($23 USD)
access_time 6 years ago
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How is your life currently different from how it was four months ago?
Currently, I can say I have been given financial freedom, I can shop without borrowing.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life for the next four months?
I have no new goals apsrt from the previous one of booasting my business.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life in the last four months preceding the current transfer.
I am able to buy food at home without requesting for loan or borrowing from friends and neigbors.
How do you expect your life to change in the next six months?
In the next six months, I will have a bought cow to be able to rear and milk it in the future when it gives birth.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
455 KES ($5 USD)
access_time over 6 years ago
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Do you have any new goals that you didn't have before receiving the transfer?
The new goal I have is to start a small business so that I can have steady income to take care of myself and my children.I will also be able to help my grandmother with the household responsibilities which will greatly reduce the burden on her.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is currently different in that I am independent and hopeful. I have hope in life and happier than I was before. I can now buy stuff that otherwise would only be a dream.
How do you expect your life to change in the next six months?
In the next six months,I expect to be completely independent. I hope that my business will be doing well by then and I will be able to afford better clothes for my children.
My family will be healthier because we will be having well balanced meals.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving payments is that I am able afford certain items and proper food on a daily basis because when I get the money,I am able to shop for the entire month. I now live a less stressful life.
Enrolled
access_time over 6 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship is being without proper source of income, yet i have to feed and clothe my children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is in the evening since its more easier to get friends and relatives to make stories and jokes with being that most of us would have been done with daily activities.
What are you planning to spend your transfer on?
I am planning to spend the transfer on starting up a small business to support my aged grandmother and my little children.
What is the achievement you are proudest of?
My proudest achievement was in the year 2012 when i worked as a house maid in Nairobi to a family that paid me 3000 shillings monthly, this cash enabled me to buy my personal clothes and sent the balance to my grandmother.