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 ($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 am old and no longer economically active. Providing food for myself is a challenge since I am jobless. In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to ensure food security for the family. I intend to save enough amount of money from charcoal vending to acquire sufficient food. This is because we are experiencing famine in our area and getting food and water is very difficult.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in sending cash transfers to us. Through the cash transfer, I have been able to accomplish most of my dreams especially, starting livestock rearing. I feel the process where well elaborated during the enrollment stages. I recommend the organisation to assist the households again in terms of food since the drought and famine in our area have struck us hard.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For a very long time, I have desired to start livestock rearing as a dependable source of livelihood for the family. Because of the poverty condition in our family, my effort to make this dream a reality bore no fruit. After receiving the recent transfers, I bought five goats to start livestock farming an investment that will provide financial assistance whenever I face any challenge. In addition, I used $150 to acquire proper modern bedding since I was using an old traditional bed that was not uncomfortable. I always felt body pain every morning after waking up. I spent part of the remaining amount to build a decent two-roomed, mud-walled house for the family. Earlier, I lived in a small grass-thatched structure that was about to collapse. Nowadays, I am glad to reside in a decent house than before. Lastly, I used the remaining amount to purchase sufficient food for the family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($474 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 7 AM when I was at my daily hustle then I remembered that my phone was off. I decided to switch it on since I wanted to make a call to one of my relatives who was unwell. A few minutes later, I heard a very loud vibration whereby I suspected that it was a new message. Upon checking, I confirmed that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I was so happy and felt blessed beyond measures. I was now certain that I would now build a beautiful house.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Having the spacious, decent iron-roofed house has brought the biggest change in my daily life. Before the coming of GiveDirectly, I used to shelter in a very small temporary house. During the rainy house, it used to leak terribly and I was forced to move to another compound together with my family members. We used to experience lots of embarrassments as a result and few individuals used to call us names. As a parent, this used to frustrate me and even felt like I have failed my children. I was however positive that all these troubles shall come to an end someday. I will forever be thankful to GiveDirectly for all the blessings. My joy and hope in life is now restored.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on building a new house and bought the following materials; iron sheets at KES 16200, building poles at KES 7000, nails and timber at KES 3400. Also, I gave the Masson KES 13000 as his labor charges. I had to prioritize the construction of a new one because the current one was almost collapsing. I am so happy now that I am sleeping peacefully in a decent house without having to worry about the long rains which are expected to start soon. With the remaining amount of money, I bought foodstuffs for my family and settled for all the household expenses.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I was married twenty years ago as a second wife. At first, Life was full of pleasure and but as time goes by the situation changed. Later on we had a disagreement with my co-wife and efforts to settle down our differences did not bear any fruit. My husband sided with her and decided to migrate to another place. Since then, I have been living from hand to mouth. I rely on charcoal production as the only income generating activity. The work is involving and in a fortnight I am able to make one sack of charcoal which sells at KES 500. I will be indeed happy when I receive the transfer because I will use it to renovate my house, buy beddings and live a decent life.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The separation between my husband and I has made life to be lonely and unbearable. However, the coming of Givedirectly has brought joy and happiness to my life. This is because I will use the transfers to improve the living standard of my household.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My main source of income is charcoal burning which is energy draining. This is because crop production is not reliable due to the prolonged drought in our area. All the payment I get KES 2000 per month is not sufficient to cater for all basic needs of my household. This has resulted to food insecurity to be the main challenge that I am currently facing. Sometimes, I have to seek food assistance from neighbors, something that is shameful.