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 ($442 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?
My new goal now is to fence my farm and venture into horticulture farming. This will be my source of income in that I will be selling my farm produce at the market to earn an income. I will also get enough food to feed my family and cut the cost of buying.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does well in that the conduct the training and registration so well. Most of the people who received the transfer spent it well and this has improved their standard of living. I do not find anything that GiveDirectly did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 20,000 on school fees for my son who is in secondary school. He used to be sent most of the time to collect the school fees. This was effective in his performance in school since he could miss some of the lessons. Currently, he is studying well without being disturbed. I spent KES 12,000 on purchasing a heifer. I have always wanted to buy a dairy cow but I did not have the money. I am so happy now in that I own a heifer. The remaining amount of money I spent on food and household items.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($478 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The Moment I received my transfer, I was at home relaxing. Suddenly, I heard my phone ringing, upon checking I saw a Mpesa message showing that I had received money from GiveDirectly. I was overwhelmed with joy and happiness because I knew that I would be able to execute my goals on time. I then broke the good news to my equally happy husband. I am so grateful for the support that lifted our living standards amazing.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving my transfer is that I was able to construct an iron sheet roof kitchen. I had always wished for one, but this was not possible due to financial constraints. I am so happy and fulfilled that my daughter cleared school without leaving behind any fees or arrears.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer building a decent kitchen house for my family. This is because the house that I had before was grass-thatched and small. Therefore I used a sum of KES 30,000. I was unable to construct one before due to financial constraints in that, I depend on making clay pots to earn a living which is not that profitable. I then used KES 20,000 in paying school arrears for my Son. Finally, I used the remaining amount on foodstuffs. I am so grateful for the support that changed our living standards.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have a kitchen that has a grass-thatched roof and this is where my 10-year old son sleeps. The roof leaks in almost every corner making the house very cold during rainy seasons. This forces my son to seek refuge in my neighbor's homes and because he has to go at night there are a lot of dangers he exposes himself to, like the risk of being attacked by dogs. Futhermore, some neighbors are not welcoming and sometimes he is turned away. I have a desire to build a spacious kitchen that will serve as my cooking area as well as a bedroom for my son. I intend to spend KES 25000 to buy 30 pieces of iron sheets and another KES 5000 to buy poles. Receiving this money will give my soon a conducive place to sleep
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am a member of an investment group where we put funds together on a weekly basis and give it to one member to spend it on anything they choose. Last year on Christmas it was my turn and I received KES 9500 from members and this made me very happy
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
We entirely depend on farming as a source of livelihood and because of prolonged drought plants wither and dry up subjecting my family to hunger. Last year I spent KES 10000 to prepare and buy farm inputs on my 1-acre farm but due to prolonged drought, I never harvested anything as everything dried up. As we speak I live from hand to mouth and I do not know where my next meal will come from
