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 over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have a new goal which is to own a new piece of land because the initial one has been so unproductive. Additionally, it's only land and I am worried that my children might not have a space to build their house in future. Therefore I feel having the land will be of great help to my entire family for that purpose.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did a good job in my entire region. This is evident from how each one was treated equally in terms of their operation. They did not leave behind any household provided one was a resident. Additionally, the idea of giving us an unconditional cash transfer was the best. I, therefore, do not see any part that GiveDirectkly wronged us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying building materials which comprise iron sheets and nails at a total of KES 18000. This was for the renovation of my house since it had an old leaky roof. It was so stressful during the rainy season because we had to seek shelter from neighbours and friends which has never been easy. Most of them were not accommodative and sometimes we were forced to stay in our small house till the rains stop. Also, I bought three goats at a total of KES 9000 which I am now keeping on my homestead. I settled for them because they reproduce and mature very fast therefore I will have many within a short duration. I also paid a dowry of KES 5000 and I am glad that I now have peace of mind. I also bought food for my eight family members and new clothes for the kids.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($476 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 6am while I was taking breakfast when I heard a message tone from my phone. Upon checking it was the first transfer that we were promised from GiveDirectly. I was overwhelmed to a point of not proceeding in taking the breakfast. I just felt satisfied due to the happiness that engulfed me.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Initially my life was very sorrowful. As one of the basic needs of a human being, shelter was a big challenge for me and my children. We used to seek refuge from relatives and friends since I had no means of construction my own house. Currently things have changes because I have a house though it is incomplete but it’s a good sign of moving from the state I was to a good level of life. I am very grateful to GiveDirectly for enabling me to get a house.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I withdrew the money, the first thing I thought of was to build a house since I was living in someone’s house. Therefore, I set aside KES 10000.00 for buying some construction materials. I also paid KES 5000.00 for my five primary school children who were ever sent home for fees. I also bought nine goats for KES 27000.00. I bought a huge number of goats because they were cheaper by then compared to cows. Thereafter, I paid KES 2500.00 to my in-laws to finalize the dowry and used the rest in buying some food for the family.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I would like to build a house for my family when I receive this money. Right now I'm living in a small house that my father gave me when he built his current one. I was jailed for four years from 2017 to mid 2021 on allegations that were never confirmed and eventually I was released after the plaintiff abandoned the case. I didn't want to sue them so I just headed home to get back to my old life. At home I realized my wife had sold all my bulls and a plough to be able to take care of the family during that hard time without income. My old house was also in a very bad shape so my father gave us this to start with. This money will help me restore my dignity when I get to build my own house and buy some bulls to start preparing for farming when the conditions are right. I think all these will cost about 150000 KES.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I was very happy in the month of July last year when I was released from prison. This was after I had been jailed for four years for a crime I didn't commit. I was lucky the plaintiff realized this and disappeared abandoning the case, this is what got me out too early. It was a joyous moment reuniting with my family and even reintroducing myself to my children some of whom were too young when I was taken away.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have a lot of difficulties settling back after prison because I lost everything while behind bars. Right now I do not even have a source of income and need to build a house as well because what I have right now belongs to my father and it's too small to accommodate a family of eight. I have been just burning charcoal but I hardly get enough income from this as I can only produce about eight bags which earns me about 8000 KES per month.
