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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($465 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
We live in two points of land and because of this, we've used a small section as our kitchen garden. Due to this, we buy maize flour throughout the year and it is costly. It is my wish to increase this asset by acquiring at least two points or more. With this, I will be able to plant maize that can last us for some weeks and my children will also have a place to build their houses once they get old.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did well by sending cash transfers directly to the less fortunate households in my village. In addition, every household was enrolled in the village without any discrimination. I do not see anything that it did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I operate a small business where I buy milk from the farmers, ferment it, and sell them to people at our nearest shopping centers. Initially, I used to buy five liters at KES 50 per liter and later sell them at KES 70. After receiving the transfer, I was able to expand this business and I currently buy 20 liters and this has led to an increase in my income. In addition, I spent 28000 to fence my land using both barbed wire and wire mesh. With this, other people's livestock and poultry no longer invade my farm and destroy crops. I used the remaining amount on food to last us for some weeks and clothes for every member of my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($488 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was the third day after I had given birth when I received the great news from GiveDirectly through a short message that came to my phone. This was great news to me amidst the bundle of joy we had as a family after receiving a newborn baby. I was alone in the house at that moment since it was still early and my spouse was already out to vend for the family as he had always done. I could not initiate any withdrawal plan since I was sure that the money was safe in the account to the day when the plans will be picked.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the establishment of a new business that is being operated by my husband. We have been able to realize a good profit margin that at least enabled us to make some savings that will be useful in adding up to the business and sorting other household bills.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After working as a hired labor to the owner of the motor repair shop in the nearby town since 1998, my husband had been hoping to start a business of his own with the vast experience that he had gotten over that long period. On receiving the transfer, we had already made up our minds to invest the whole amount plus the savings that we had to open up a one-stop spare parts and repair outlet that will be operating as a welding shop as well. After securing a shop we managed to bring in stock worth KES 60000 and I am glad that the business is doing quite well at the moment. My husband had been moving out very early in the morning every day and coming back late in the evening in a struggle to ensure that our family of seven does not lack at all. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for this great support that has improved my household's living standard.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means our long-time dream as a family will be fulfilled. My husband is passionate about welding. He works for someone else but we were wishing if we could get money to start our own business so that we maximize the income. He earns 300 per day. This money can only sustain our household needs. We depend on maize as our stable food but its harvesting season is not yet so we have to buy from the market and vendors around. I delivered a baby boy one week ago so I depend on my husband for all our needs. To start the business we need a capital of KES 60,000. This business will generate income to meet our household needs like food and help us in paying school fees for our children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
One week ago I delivered a baby boy. It brings joy and happiness especially when it's a boy and being my second boy now just as I wished.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest challenge is lack of money. We buy most of the food. My husband works as a welder, his earnings per day are little, and cannot sustain all our needs. This means we do not get money to do other family developments or meet other needs like better clothing.
