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 ($463 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The new goal that I have in life is to start a posho mill business in my locality since the nearest one that we usually go to takes us up to 30 minutes walking. With this project, I will be able to earn more money that I will be using to meet our basic needs on time and support my growing family. I currently do not have the resources to achieve this but I believe that God will make a way someday.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did well by supporting the poor people in society and bringing them to the middle-class level. Even though we are not rich, we have been able to acquire some live assets like dairy cows that were only owned by the rich before. Apart from this, their officers respected everyone's opinions and way of life and were transparent during their enrollment stages.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I purchased a dairy cow using my first transfer and upon receiving the second one, I spent KES 25000 on farming. I hired a tractor for land preparation purposes, bought enough fertilizers and maize seeds. Before receiving the transfer, I used to till one point of land since I was not in a position to hire a tractor for land preparation purposes and to buy enough fertilizers. I am now happy that we will have enough maize to last us till the next harvesting season since the transfer enabled me to till an acre of land and my family is still young as we only have one child. Using the remaining amount, I bought some utensils since the ones we had were less, new beddings to replace the old ones, some clothes, and food that will still last us for some weeks.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
That day, I woke up around 7am and while checking my phone for time I was elated to see an SMS notification confirming I had received KES55000 from GiveDirectly overnight. Due to excitement, I immediately went to withdraw the money from the nearest MOMO agent without even taking breakfast.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I received the transfers is owning a dairy cow which I had desired to have for many years but the income from my masonry work wouldn't suffice. I am also grateful because with the GiveDirectly transfers I have food in bulk which can sustain my family for a longer period.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 35000 on a dairy cow because I had been buying milk from the neighborhood for about a year. This has helped in milk production and is also a long-term investment for my family. I also spent KES5000 on improving the roof of my house because the Iron roof I had was old and worn out.The rest KES 15000 was spent on food and latest clothing for the festive season.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I can buy a motorcycle to run a taxi business. Depending on house construction jobs as a labourer is an insufficient income source because these jobs are now rare to find, given that the pandemic has had a toll on the economy. The good thing with motorcycle taxis is that there is always a need for transport. I am happy that I will spend about KES 100,000 to buy the bike and start earning an average of KES 300 per day. This will guarantee that I can meet my family's basic needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Farming has been the greatest joy over the last 6 months. With reliable good rainfall, my crops did well . I harvested enough maize that has lasted us close to one year. I already have another crop that is doing quite well.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is the biggest challenge because I do not hav reliable work in house construction sector. Ideally, I would be making about KES 250per day, which is enough for my household needs but they are rare to find.
