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
55000 KES ($510 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different than how it would have been if I never received the transfers in that I have bought a improved Dairy cow. I used to buy milk daily and this was so costly for me because I have other priorities including paying school fees for my children in various schools. I depend on casual jobs. The amount of money that I get through this was not enough to buy a dairy cow. Currently I have a dairy cow and my family gets enough milk daily. I no longer incur the cost. I sell the extra milk at the market to earn an income to pay the school fees. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has enabled me to own an improved Dairy cow which was always my wish.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion GiveDirectly does well by giving money to the poor in the community to build better houses and to buy dairy cows. I do not find anything that GiveDirectly did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spend part of the money I received from GiveDirectly to purchase an improved breed of a Dairy cow. I used to buy milk daily and this was so costly for me. I also bought pipes and connected clean tap water. I have children in various schools and I paid their school fees and the rest of the money I bought a solar panels for lighting at home. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has changed our lives.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($493 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I woke up at around seven that beautiful morning.On switching on my phone, I was elated to receive good news from GiveDirectly and counted as a blessing.Because I know that good luck only comes once I spent it wisely.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Having my house being well lit is the biggest difference in my daily life. This is because initially I used a Kerosene lamp which is dim, quite costly and unhealthy after my other solar system spoilt. I have also managed to install piped water after the water installation and supply failed twice before from the ministry of water and other self help group.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 10,000 my transfer on piped water installation because there's scarcity of water in our place usually marked by long dry spells which normally forces us to fetch water from distant places which is quite costly and time consuming. KES 10 ,000 was spent on payment of my daughter's accommodation fee in campus because after payment of school fees I hadn't bought her basic needs. I also injected KES 12, 000 on a dairy cow debt settlement because our place is suitable for dairy farming. KES 2700 was spent as a down payment for a solar lighting system because the one I had before got spoiled and was forced to use Kerosene lamp of which is quite costly as compared to the Solar panel.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I will be able to access clean piped water. I live in a place that is in close proximity to treated piped water but I have been unable to draw water to my homestead due to lack of funds. I will therefore use $100 to pipe water and another $300 to buy water tank. Additionally, I plan to use another $300 to install electricity in my house. I will also improve my cattle breed by buying one dairy cattle at a cost $400 and the balance to buy feeds.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I love nature and a big fun of afforestation. Therefore most of my daytime, I spent on my tree nursery as I prepare seedbed, weed and also transplant those that are ready. My happiest part of the day is in the afternoon when I see my trees 'enjoying' sunlight energy as I sit under their shade.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have ever faced in my life is provision of clean water to my family and cattle. I draw water from far and only relax for a short time when it is raining. Sometimes there could be prolonged drought and the longer the drought the further I go to fetch water. This is a tedious and draining task but hopefully I will be in a position to sort all these.
