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 ($521 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
One thing that I am proud of the most is the fact that I now have my own piece of land. I am currently building a house and once done, I will relocate and live here. I will have the freedom to do various activities such as farming unlike where I am currently living where there is limited space to farm. I also have a running restaurant business courtesy of these transfers. Before these transfers. I had an idea of starting this business but since I did not have any capital to start up, I couldn't. Receiving these transfers has challenged me to be industrious and hardworking.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did well by being fair with the amount of the transfers given to each household. I am glad that there was no biasness whatsoever in how they conducted themselves. Their officers were always respectful and answered all the questions asked. In my opinion, everything was done well, I wouldn't change anything.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
After buying a small piece of land using the first transfer, I needed to build a house on it. I, therefore, spent a larger portion of my second transfer on purchasing building materials to put up the house. Right now the construction is going on. We currently live in a small piece of land with my other siblings and other relatives. The fact that there are limited shared resources, means that there are frequent conflicts. Apart from this, I want the freedom that comes with having one's own asset. I have always wanted to be a dairy farmer but with the limited space and resources, this has just remained to be a dream. I also bought clothes and other household requirements for my children using the rest of the transfer.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($531 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
Currently, I now have a piece of land of my own. I have never owned a big asset as such before. I see I am now focused with life because I have gone s step ahead. No one has ever made a step of owning a separate piece of land in my family as everyone is waiting to inherit the family land. I am now a respectable person in my family.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
My heart was filled with joy since I had no other source I could get such a huge sum of money. I saw my dream of owning a piece of land had immediately came to pass
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent the money I received from Give Directly to purchase a piece of land worth Ksh. 33000. My parents land is small and since we are many sons, it is too small for all of us to live in. With the remaining amount of money, I spent it to purchase construction materials such as timber and iron sheets ready to begin constructing the house when the next transfers will be sent
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I live in a very small place behind my business premise.When we have kids we will require a bigger place.This transfers will help me buy a small piece of land and build a two bed roomed semi permanent house.I will also boost my hotel business by expanding it.I will also buy a dairy cow which will help supply milk to my business.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I spend most of the day here in my hotel.I open the business at 6 o'clock in the morning and close down at 10 o'clock in the evening.I mostly sell tea and buns in the hotel which my wife and I prepare.In the evening I serve a lot of customers making it the happiest part of my day.Its always feels good to see my business flourish.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial constraints has been the biggest hardship that I have faced in my life.I did not study past secondary school due to lack of school fees.My parents could not afford college fees.I worked as a casual labourer after secondary school where I saved a little to start a cereals business.I then saved enough to start this small hotel business;first by renting the business place and finally buying it for myself.It has been a long journey and it hasn't been easy.I still want to grow my business but I do not have enough money.
