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 ($438 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?
I have so many dreams that I would wish to achieve, but unfortunately. It had to dwell on them now due to financial constraints because of the unreliable source of income. At the moment, I am contented with what I have achieved so far.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The support that we got from the organization uplifted our living standards amazingly. I was able to build a decent house for my family, unlike before, when we were living in a small house due to financial constraints. I have not seen things that the organisation needs to correct.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had started building a decent house for my family with my initial transfer, but unfortunately, it was left incomplete due to the high cost of building materials. Additionally, our source of income is not stable due to climatic change which is making it difficult to grow crops. My husband and I are consistent farmers and together we have four children. Upon receiving my second transfer, we used $300 on the house completion. Secondly, I bought furniture worth $150 and lastly I bought clothes and foodstuffs with the remaining amount. Receiving money from the organization has made us achieve a lot in a short time, thus I am forever grateful.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($460 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 around 6 Pm when I was at the village meeting group. I heard a message notification on my phone. When I checked it out I could not believe my eyes, it was the highest amount of money I have ever received. I felt so happy and I could not concentrate anymore. I immediately went back home to inform my spouse. He was so happy and grateful as well. We knew we would be able to complete the construction of the house that we has started. We aligned with my spouse and withdraw the money the following day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is completing the construction of the new house that had stopped due to a lack of money to purchase other building materials. The construction stopped and did not know where to get the money to complete the building. I was so worried because I do not have another source of income apart from the small farming of vegetables and maize. This was majorly for consumption. Sometimes I would sell the surplus at the market to get some money to meet other basic household needs. When I received the transfer from GiveDirectly I purchase all the materials that were needed and I was in a position to complete the construction of the new house. I am so grateful because this had always been my dream. We currently live comfortably with my children in the new house. I am so grateful for the support because GiveDirectly has changed our living standards to be much better than before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 30,000 on purchasing iron sheets and timber. I was also in a position to pay workers who were doing the construction. The construction of the house had stopped due to a lack of money to purchase some of the materials. Currently, the construction is done and we live in a better and more spacious house. I spent KES 10,000 on purchasing a heifer. I will be in a position to get enough milk in the future when it reproduces, I settle a debt of KES 7,000. This was giving me restless nights, currently, I have peace of mind to conduct my daily activities without being stressed. The remaining amount of money I spent on buying sofa set seats and food for the family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
For 8 years now, maize cultivation in my area has not been thriving due to the harsh climatic conditions and diseases. This has prompted me to take up dairy farming and crop diversification as an alternative source of income for my family of 6. At the moment, I own a dairy cow and my wish is to add another one as a backup for milk production once it runs dry. Unfortunately, finances have been a shortcoming since the income I earn from the sale of sweet potatoes caters for the household food and education for my children in primary school. When I receive these transfers, I intend to use KES 35000 to purchase an exotic dairy cow for milk production. I will be excited that my family will be both food secure as well as financially stable.
What is the happiest part of your day?
When my children have food to eat, I become excited since food security is a challenge in my household. I was glad when my cow calved in October 2022, and my family of 6 have been having constant milk production since then. I have been selling some to earn income which caters towards the. purchase of maize for the family of 6.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is a challenge I am currently facing. Children need a balanced diet and adequate food for their growth but unfortunately, I cannot produce food from my 1.5 acres of land. Alternately, I purchase food for the household to supplement their diet. This is expensive as I only depend on the sale of 3ltrs milk daily to earn income and it is insufficient to purchase enough maize stock to last the household the entire month. It pains me that my family of 6 have to forego another family project to save for food provision.
