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 ($517 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?
My life is different than how it would have been since I have been able to cement my house. Due to this, there's less accumulation of dust inside hence my clothes no longer get dirty easily after washing them. Also, dusting of this house has been made easier and faster.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well by enrolling everyone without any discrimination and I do not see anything that they did not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
When I received my second transfer, I spent a good amount for my home improvement purposes. First, I bought some beddings for my family. I bought some beds, mattresses and blankets to replace the old ones that we were using. Also, I bought some food to last us for some time and decent clothes. I spent the remaining amount to start poultry keeping project by buying some chicken and chicken feeds.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($539 USD)
access_time almost 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 have been able to furnish my house into a semi-permanent one. Due to this, I no longer walk for a long distance looking for clay. Cleaning this house has also been made easier and less time-consuming. I am now glad since my house is always tidy, more presentable and I can always use the time I would otherwise use in searching for clay on other projects.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was a few minutes to 7 am after I had woken up when I received a message alert. Upon checking its contents, I became so happy. I knew that I would be able to fulfill my dream of furnishing my house.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
When I received my first transfer, I used some amount to furnish our house. I bought some cement, sand, gravel, red oxide, bricks and also paid the cost of labor for this work. I settled on this since I have been walking for a long distance looking for clay soil which is always rarely found. I used the remaining amount to buy a wire mesh to use in fencing my compound. I decided on this so that my chicken will not be moving into the farm to destroy my crops.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My house is new and it still needs a lot of finishing but I have not been able to do that due to lack of money.With the transfers from Give Directly I will cement the floor plus other finishing works.This will cost me around Ksh 45,000(450 USD).I also have a poultry project which I started a month ago and this money will help me boost it.I currently have 20 indigenous chicken and my target is 100 chicken.I believe poultry farming is a good income generating project since I get money on a daily basis.This will go a long way in satisfying the family's basic needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I spend my time either tending my farm or feeding my cattle.These are my main sources of income.I enjoy the evening hours when I am done with the day's activities.I count the day a success when my cows are well fed and when I have achieved the day's objectives in my farm.I am usually assured of getting something from the work I have done.That is what makes me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Depending on crop farming has made me lag behind in terms of development.I cannot remember the last time we had a good harvest.This is attributed to the long dry spells and crop diseases experienced.This is what is now driving me to try other ways of raising income like poultry farming.Most of the time I am forced to buy food for my family which is quite expensive.My husband works as a casual labourer in a tea plantation in the neigbouring county.What he earns is not enough to cater for all basic needs.This is so far the biggest hardship I have faced.
