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
53010 KES ($361 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?
Currently, I am putting in consistent effort in casual labor while saving money in Nakuru town, all with the aim of acquiring a motorcycle to venture into taxi services. Looking ahead, my aspiration is to secure a motorcycle, which would serve as a means to generate additional income and ultimately provide essential support for my family of five's daily needs in the coming year and beyond.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly truly excelled in its approach, providing us with unconditional cash support, a concept I had never experienced in my entire life. This support allowed me to address many of the pressing needs within my family, bringing about significant transformation. The enrollment process was seamless and unbiased, ensuring that every household received the same amount of money, which was highly commendable. I earnestly hope that GiveDirectly will maintain this same fair and effective approach as they expand their support to other villages, bringing positive change to even more families.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I allocated $105 from the second transfer to purchase iron sheets for the construction of a new house, but unfortunately, the house is still under construction as I lost some of the money due to theft. I am actively following up on the case with the support of the area chief and reporting it to the police station, though progress has been slow since the thief fled. In addition, I used part of the funds to buy furniture worth $120, which we are currently using in our old house for my family of five. Despite the setback of losing approximately $300 to theft, I remain grateful for the overall support I have received and am hopeful that I will recover the lost amount. At the moment, I am working diligently in casual labor and saving up with the goal of purchasing a motorcycle to offer taxi services in the future.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
After a long day of working on my farm in the scorching sun, I decided to go home, have lunch and relax. It was in that late afternoon when my neighbour appeared at my home to inquire whether I had received cash from GiveDirectly. I grabbed my phone and quickly checked. I didn't see any text at the moment but in less than a minute I had a message tone. On checking, I saw a text showing that I have received cash from Segovia technologies. At that time my wife wasn't at home and I couldn't hold back the good news. I called her and gave her the good news and she was overjoyed. She finally realized her dream of owning a dairy cow would be achieved. I'm grateful for the support.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference between then and now is that my wife and I were able to boost our earnings. This is mainly because we pumped the cash transfer into our business. I'm positive that upon receipt of my second transfer, I'll be able to complete my house. I'm grateful for the funds which have empowered us to a greater standard.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving money from GiveDirectly was more of a blessing from above. It was an opportunity for me to transform my life for the better. I'm married with three children. My business entails selling goats whereas my wife sells onions. Upon receipt of the transfer, as a family, we spent $100 on buying iron sheets to construct a decent house. Our house was little seeing we had relocated here from our ancestral home. I spent $100 to buy seats and furnished the house. An additional $200 helped boost our businesses and lastly, we spent some amount on foodstuffs and clothes for the family. I'm grateful that I was able to accomplish so much in such a short duration which wasn't possible before due to our unreliable income.
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Before the year 2019, I used to live in Narok South but I was forcefully evicted by the government because my farm was part of the larger Mau Forest. My house was torched and burnt to ashes by ruthless police officers and I had no option other than to come back home to my father's farm. I came with burnt iron sheets and used the same to construct a single-roomed house that I still use with my family to date. The roof leaks profusely during rainy seasons and I always pray that it doesn't rain so that my family can at least catch sleep. I have had plans to build a better house for the last 3 years but I earn $2 daily from my casual jobs which is not enough to buy food leave alone build a house. My children deserve a better life than they are living now and I feel like I let them down every day. I intend to use $200 to build them a spacious, warm house
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am in the business of buying and selling goats and one week ago I bought one for $30 and managed to sell it for $35. I earned a profit of $5 which I used to buy food such as sugar, bread, and vegetables for my family. I was happy because my children ate to their satisfaction that day
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My family is constrained financially because I do not have a stable source of income. I depend on casual jobs such as being a masonry helper to put food on the table. Such jobs are hard to come by because we are so many competing for the same. The much that I can earn in a day is $2 which is hardly enough to buy food such as milk, maize flour, and vegetables. Take note that I am a parent with three children in school where I am required to pay $30 every academic term. It has gotten to a point where I feel overwhelmed and when they are sent home I let them stay because I have no means to raise that much.
