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 ($420 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?
My biggest priority at the moment is paying tuition for my kids since it's been quite a challenge in the past and they've ended up getting kicked out of school quite a number of times. I also plan on focusing on nutrition because the ongoing drought has made putting food on the table quite a challenge.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I would want to express my gratitude for the help that I received from the organization. This money was quite life-changing for me and I am extremely happy that I finally have a house that can accomodate me and my kids.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before I had received this funds, I was really looking forward to building myself a much better house since the one I was living in was quite old and my kids and I were always cramped up in there yet they were growing up and I knew soon they would need their privacy. That is why after retrieving the money I proceeded to spend about KES 20,000 in buying more than a dozen pieces of iron sheets, timber and paying the mason as well. Afterwards I proceeded to invest in a couple of farm animals where I bought two cows and five goatswhich cost me roughly around KES 30,000. Last but not least I spent KES 3,000 to pay tuition for two of my kids.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($471 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
While in the field taking care of my livestock, I received a message at around 11 am. I looked at it just out of curiosity but there was nothing I could comprehend since I do not know how to read. Upon reaching home I shared the message with my helper for help, thus he happily told me that I had received KES 55000.00 from GiveDirectly. Due to happiness, I lost words, and I was confused not knowing how I should celebrate receiving the money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I am grateful for the empowerment I received from GiveDirectly. My privacy was no longer there since I was living with my five children under the same roof. The house too was too small, and very congested to an extent that receiving a visitor was a burden to the family. Currently, I am a happy parent since GiveDirectly restored my private life by enabling me to construct a house through the transfer I received. My children have a separate house and I am now confident that even receiving a visitor is no longer a burden.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I withdrew the money, the priority was the shelter for my children. Being a mother of five, the house I had was very small to accommodate us bearing in mind that, some were becoming grown-ups. This ate my mind a lot since I knew there was no privacy again. Therefore, I used KES 30000.00 to purchase iron sheets, poles, and rafters plus the labor of the contractor. As of now, the house is complete. I also took KES 10000.00 and gave my helper to buy iron sheets for his house as well. Since I wanted to start keeping livestock at home, I bought three goats at KES 3000.00 each and used the remaining amount to buy food for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have never had privacy ever since I got married and had children with my husband. I live in a one-roomed house with my husband and four children. The space is limited and it concerns me because the children are all grown up.
Building a two-roomed house will be better, we can have a room to ourselves and the other room my daughters will occupy.
The next project will be to buy a cow and five goats and raise them. A calf sells for 15000 KES and a kid of a goat 3500 KES. Once I buy this livestock my mind will be at ease. I count them as assets.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I sell firewood for a living and it is a tough job. When I am not out in the forest collecting firewood I am at home taking care of my children. I barely get time to myself or even socialize with friends.
Days I get to spend a few minutes with friends and afford a smile or two are relaxing for me, they give me so much joy and help me forget the pain that comes with ulcers.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Ulcers are my main challenge, for the longest time I have had to endure the pain and discomfort that comes with this ailment. It gets worse when things are not going well at home (when there is a lack of food) it stresses me up. I adhere to the instructions I was given by the doctors and take my medicine just to keep things in check.
