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 ($421 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?
I have not yet created another objective that I want to achieve. My primary concern is the cafeteria business, which I want to fill with enough of the most common foods for the customers. By doing this, I will draw more clients to my facility, and the more clients, the higher the profit.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I believe GiveDirectly did a good job, especially since they sent the money right into our M-pesa accounts. We also had complete discretion over how to spend the money per our needs as a household. Thus, there is nothing wrong with the organization that needs to be evaluated.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I decided to make some investments after receiving the second transfer. With these investments, I would be able to support my family. So I invested $200 in opening a cafeteria. The success of this business has allowed it to meet the essential demands of my family. I also purchased a used motorcycle for $300. For a price, the motorbike is used to transport passengers and small amounts of luggage between locations. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I now have two projects that generate income, which makes me extremely pleased.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was at night around 11pm and we had already had supper but had not yet gone to bed as we normally stay up with conversations among family members until late in the night. In the midst of the conversations is when I got the SMS confirming that I have received the money from GiveDirectly. I felt so good and happy because I knew that all my aims and desires, especially getting a better and proper house, would be fulfilled because I have been living in a makeshift house that hardly shields me.
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 money from GiveDirectly is that there are developments that couldn't happen before. I was able to get the materials that are to be used to build me a better and proper house, as well as got a motorcycle that is our regular source of income which apart from helping us meet our family's daily immediate needs also helps us with household chores and activities like fetching water. All that could only happen through the assistance I received from GiveDirectly, I am so grateful.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of the transfer which was KES 35000 on buying the materials I need to build a better and proper house for myself and my family because the one I have been living in is more of a makeshift one which hardly shields me as it is barely covered. I desire to have a house that will be spacious enough to host my family members and even guests when they visit me. Therefore, I am now feeling stronger and happier because I know that I am going to be sleeping in a better and proper house. I also spent KES 15000 on buying a motorcycle on hire purchase and gave it to my son who operates it as a motorcycle taxi which is our regular source of income we all rely on and helps us meet our family's daily immediate needs. I am so happy and grateful, all thanks to GiveDirectly.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a dignified life for me. I have been living in a house that is leaking for the past 5 years. I have also been using sacks as my sleeping materials for those five years. Sleeping without a mattress has caused me continuous body aches. I have not been able to build a new house or buy a mattress because I earn very little ( 2,000 KES per month) from my charcoal burning business. I am planning to build a house at a total cost of 25,000 KES. I will then use 10,000 KES to buy a bed and a mattress. With the mattress, I will no longer be experiencing the body aches and I will also be living in a very secure environment due to the new house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
For the past two months, I have been suffering from a condition that leaves me feel dizzy. I was put under medication in the past one month. I feel very happy because I am now slowly recovering. I am currently able to do some few light jobs such as cooking and fetching firewood.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Ill health has been a very big challenge on my daily life. For the past two months, I have been suffering from an illness that causes dizziness. The disease has left me so weak. I used to work as a charcoal burner but due to the illness, I am yet to go back to my normal life. The illness leaves me so devastated. This because I am forced to sometimes depend on sons to provide for me.
