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 ($418 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Despite the fact that the drought has been incredibly damaging for the past four months, paralyzing all farming activities, including livestock production, I am still hoping to focus on farming to ensure maximum production when the rains come. Food has become very expensive recently, and managing a family of five has become so difficult that we miss at least one meal or two most days because I don't have a stable source of income. Investing in farming will cut costs and be a source of income when we sell the surplus.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly was superb and did an outstanding job, elevating many people in our community. Many families used to live in old huts but have since built new homes, while others have purchased livestock that now provides enough milk for their families. On the other hand, even the middle class was treated fairly and was not excluded. The majority of them invested in land and school fees for their children. I am glad that most of the people in our village heeded the pieces of advice given, and the outcome of their work has been amazing.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I got the second transfer, I had construction going on in my kitchen. I still had to buy 14 iron sheets at $9 each, building poles, and other construction wood worth $100, and pay the workforce charges of $40. I am relieved to have a new kitchen that is more spacious and easier to clean. I also purchased a bullock for $200, which I intend to sell in the future to purchase a dairy cow. I currently milk a friend's cow for my children, and having my own will increase milk production while also providing the assurance of breeding to produce more offspring. With the remaining funds, I also purchased food and clothing for my family of five.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($460 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Receiving money from GiveDirectly came at a moment that I never expected. it was around 6pm when I was at the field herding when suddenly, I heard my phone ringing. Upon checking what the message was all about, that was when I saw the good news that I had received a sum of KES 55,000 from GiveDirectly. I was lost in happiness and excitement. I am so grateful for the support that brought so much happiness into our lives.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I was able to build my house into a decent one. I could have built it earlier but this was not possible due to financial challenges. I am so happy that finally, I have achieved the goal. Secondly, I am happy and contented that I was able to pay for the national health scheme for the entire year meaning that we can access good health care for the entire year. I am forever indebted for the wonderful gift that lifted my life amazingly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon the receipt of my initial transfer, I saw it fit to use my transfer in paying for the health care scheme where I used KES 6000 in clearing the annual charges. I knew that this was very crucial because we would access medical services. I had defaulted earlier due to a lack of funds because I am a consistent farmer and at my age, I am no longer energetic. I live with my grandchild because all my children are independent and in their homes. I then used KES 19,000 in renovating my house and KES 15,000 on buying a dairy cow. I was unable to achieve all these but I am so glad that it was possible with the unconditional transfer.
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means improved health status. I have been sick for a while now but due to lack of money, I have not received proper treatment for my ailment. This health condition has limited me in terms of work yet I am a casual labourer feeding hand to mouth. I am sickly most of the time and I depend on over counter medication which relieves the pain however the problem is not solved. So when I receive this transfer I plan to renew my National medical Insurance cover to enable me to attend a referral hospital for a better diagnosis. To renew for a year I will spend KES 6000 and as I wait for the insurance to be active I will visit the nearby outpatient clinic.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Although I have been sickly, whenever I feel better I go to my farm to try and plant food crops to reduce food expenses. I managed to plant maize which I am yet to harvest and vegetables. Their yield is good and this has brought joy and happiness into my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest challenge is financial constraints. My health condition has been a challenge and due to a lack of finance, I have not been able to get better treatment. I depend on cheap counter medication which only relieves pain but does not heal completely. This health condition has subjected me to food insecurity which sometimes I am worried that one day I might die of hunger or worsen my condition.
