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 ($515 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
A lot has happened in my life ever since I started receiving financial support from GiveDirectly. First, I managed to pay school fees for my children who are in colleges and primary school. They were approaching some exams and they had been sent home because of the huge fee balances. I was so sure that they would miss the exams. I am so glad because I managed to pay the fees and they resumed with their studies without any disturbances. This is assuring me of their brighter future together with generation. Therefore this makes my life to be so different and it was not for this organization coming to my life, I would not have managed to do all these.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, everything GiveDirectly did for me was so perfect. One the fact that I was not asked to pay anything during the enrolment to the officers, this was a clear indication that the exercise was fair. Also, the money was sent directly into my account and I was unconditional. I had all the freedom to select my desires. In my opinion, I do not see a sector GD failed us.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent KES 35000 of my second transfer on paying school fees for my children who are in college and secondary school. I also bought a bag of cement, bricks, sand purposely for the construction of a pit latrine which cost KES 13000. I then bought three goats at Kes 4450. I settled in rearing them because thy require little supervision and they reproduce faster. I have really been longing to keep for a long period of time but I could not afford it. The remaining amount of money, I bought some sufficient foodstuffs for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($541 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The two dairy cows that I now own has really transformed my life in a big way. I have now started a business of supplying milk to the nearby trading centers. The business is now doing so well that, I can now clear all the bills in good time, including school fees, I don't have to strain much like before. Secondly, the remaining few liters are for my family's consumption, my children are now healthier than when I used to depend on casual jobs for a living. Thirdly I am now getting manure from the cow dung which I normally apply on my farm. I am nowadays assured of getting a good harvest. Previously, I used to buy fertilizer but sometimes I could not afford which always resulted in poor harvests. I am so grateful to GiveDirectly for coming into my village. Being among the beneficiaries makes all the difference.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I remember so well it was exactly, 5 am when my phone vibrated so loudly. I was even shocked because it was not normal. I decided to wake up my spouse to confirm who had sent the message. After he went through, he realized it was an mpesa message from GD. I was overwhelmed with joy, I wish you could see how I reacted. I was so sure my life will change greatly.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying two mattresses at KES 10000, previously we used to sleep on some old mattresses which were so uncomfortable, we were also complaining of some back pains. I then bought two dairy cows KES 30000. I opted to but them because I admired them from my neighbors. I then cleared school fees for my son who is in secondary school. He was approaching exams so the money came in a good time indeed because I am so sure he would miss the exams. I then hired someone to prepare my farm since it was a planting season. The amount of money that had remained, I bought some enough foodstuffs for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
To own a pair of oxen has been the biggest ambition that I desire to achieve. This is because I have always wanted to scale up farming and cut down the cost of hiring people's equipment. It is so costly and I can only afford to till 3 acres of land. It is also very difficult to catch up with the unreliable rainfall because the owners give their farms priority. This means my family is food insecure at most times of the year. I will therefore purchase these animals for the aforementioned purpose and also hire them at a fee. I will also build pillars to support my house and prevent it from collapsing because the walls are very weak.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My day time is normally committed with so many activities. I wake up early to prepare my children for school. I then complete all the household chores and before I rest I go to the farm. I rarely rest as I have to complete my days' work. It is only in the evening when I get to relax and regain my energy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial instability is my biggest hardship. This is because I do not have a source of income hence I depend solely on my spouse. He only supports us with 2500 shillings a month, an amount that is supposed to cater for all our needs. My children are often home from school and to some extent I have to lie to the teachers. My daughter who is secondary school will close this term with a debt of 8000 shillings, while those in primary school have a debt of 220 shillings. The amount seems so little but I do not have the capability to raise it.
