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 ($467 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Having accomplished all my desires that I had especially seeking medical care for myself and educating my child who was joining college. I am now pleased to have achieved a lot with my transfer and I do not have any other new goals.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in elaborating about the program by holding a community meeting before actual enrollment. Furthermore, the program was voluntary and unconditional. One is not forced to participate and every household has the right to choose on what to spend their transfer on.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to purchase 2 bags of maize for 8,000. This is because we are experiencing famine in our area. My husband and I are old and jobless which makes it hard to fulfill our daily needs, for all those years, we have been depending on our children who have their own families to care for. I also bought a bed and mattress for KES 6,600. Previously, we were using a traditional bed that requires constant repair and is less durable. In addition, I spent KES 10,000 to seek medical care since I am suffering from kidney and chest problems. Currently, I am feeling better and happy that I was able to get proper treatment. Furthermore, I bought 3 goats for KES 11,100, this is a future investment and reliable source of living for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($492 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt so happy when I got the money because I new it gave me the assistance I needed to address the challenges I have been facing. I have been struggling with chest problems, therefore. it was a huge relief getting this money since I knew that I am going to get medical attention, I was so grateful.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life I can say is the ability GiveDirectly gave me to address the challenges that before I was not able to. It enabled me to have answers to questions that I could not find answers for and that makes me so happy and grateful. I was able to get medical attention and took my son to college, I am so happy and hopeful that in the future my son will be in a position to help me because he will be employed courtesy of his education.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The thing that I spent most of my transfer on is my son's college fees, stationaries, and clothes which cost a total of KES25000. I did this because I consider it as one of my projects that I will depend on and count on in the future since, with a good college education, my son will be able to get employment and take care of me. I also bought two goats at a cost of KES7500 because the current drought and famine in our place are so risky for many livestock because there is no grass for them. Therefore, I am optimistic that my two goats will be able to survive on the little available shrubs and go on to multiply and benefit me in the near and far future.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money from GiveDirectly means I will take my last born son to college. My son completed his secondary education in 2020. However, due to poverty, I have been unable to take him past secondary school. I am planning to spend KES. 40,000 from the transfer to cater for his college fees. He has had the desire of being a primary school teacher. He really wants to change lives through education and I want to make his dream come true. I will use a further KES 40,000 to buy food for my family. Sometimes, we go without food due to poverty. Seeing my son start college and at the same time buying enough food for my family will make me a happy woman.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Afternoon is the happiest part of my day. With the chest pains I am currently experiencing, I feel relieved during the afternoon and this makes me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in my life is prolonged chest pains. My chest has had a lot of complications to an extent that I have been unable to perform basic duties in my house such as cooking. I have been to several hospitals but my condition has not improved.
