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.
Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($521 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Initially, before the transfers, I used to do casual labor which did not generate enough revenue for the household. My children could be sent home for school fees and some night we went without food. But ever since I received the transfers this has changed. I have managed to repair my house and with the revenue earned from the motorcycle taxi business, I can manage my expenditure comfortably.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, the fact that the grant issued by Give Directly is unconditional makes it so unique. One can use the money how best they feel without restrictions and again as I have said it is a grant hence you owe no one. Saying GD has done well will be an understatement. If I were a donor then I would replicate what GD has done to our community with confidence.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
When I received my second transfer, I spent a better percentage of the transfers to purchase a motorcycle. I plan to use it as a taxi that way I can increase the revenue earned in the household. Besides that, I also saved some amount for school fees when my children become of age and more resources will be required. It is a norm to set aside some savings every month.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($545 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The idea of owning a pair of oxen is the biggest difference that I am proud of at the moment. This is because I am certain of an increase in my harvest after using them to cultivate a larger field of my farm. When this actualizes, I am certain that there would be an enhancement of food security in my homestead. Previously, using hoes limited me to cultivate a small piece of land which lead to low yield that couldn't last us up to the next harvesting season.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my money , I felt very happy and blessed since I knew I have a chance of acquiring livestock therefore , I will own an appreciating assets like most of my neighbors.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent 32, 000 KES of my first transfer to buy a pair of oxen which assist me at the moment to cultivate my farm. I replace my roof with new galvanized iron sheet hence I no longer worry of it leaking when it rains like before . The remaining amount I paid school fees for my four children who are in primary school.
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Charcoal burning is what I have known as the only source of income for the family of 5. Despite this activity being risky and low paying, I purely depend on it since I have no other option. Through the much exploitation I have faced from my potential buyers, I have long wished to have a charcoal selling center at Mombasa, to be operated by my husband but this has not materialized yet due to financial crisis. Receiving this money means realization of my desired dream since my plan is to offer $500 to my husband in order to start the business. I will use $100 of my second transfer to repair my house since as at now, the roofing poles were destroyed by termites and it can easily be blown by wind. $300 of the disbursement will help me to buy an oxen to aid in upscaling my farming and the remaining amount will support me in other basic needs like beddings and school fees.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Since eating my dinner means working in my neighbours' farms in order to get my 1 packet of maize flour, I usually wake up early in the morning to seek the weeding activity. In the afternoon, I come back home to relax and prepare my first meal that I share with my children. Seeing them enjoying their meal makes me feel so happy. Thereafter, I work in my farm, something that makes me feel so exhausted in the evening.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a decent job to cater for my family's basic needs has been my biggest hardship. Ever since I was married, charcoal burning is what I have known in my life and this job is not reliable because; preparing, packaging and seeking a potential buyer means spending a whole month. Since this is a rainy season, I have faced a lot of challenges because the roads are impassable and vehicles are no longer coming to our area. This has force me to opt weeding in my neighbours' farms in order to get $1 per 30 by 40 metres piece of land. I am worried that, my harvests are likely to be low because I spend much of my energy doing this side hustle job.
