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 ($517 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?
My life is different because I have the new house to live in with my children. I lived in a grass thatched house for many years without any hopes of upgrading to a better house. Currently, I am living in an Iron roofed house, courtesy of GiveDirectly. I also have goats which I can lean on in case of a financial need.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly, has done well in fulfilling their mandate to us since were in abject poverty. Currently, we have been able to house, to live in , and owning livestock.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent a larger portion of the second transfer on buying iron sheets and other building materials in order to construct a new house. I was initially living in a grass thatched house. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for changing my life since I am now living in an iron roofed house. I also paid for the labour cost. In addition, I also purchased five goats which I am currently keeping In my homestead. I spent the remaining amount of the transfer to buy some foodstuffs and paying for some other household expenses.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($544 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the house I renovated. It was in a very poor condition and very small and whenever it rained sometimes I was rained on, you can imagine the coldness. I mean there was no difference with someone who is homeless. But I must say God is great because I have my own big house and I can now sleep very comfortable with my family.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was on Tuesday at 12:00 noon when I received the message, first I couldn't believe my eyes because it was my first time receiving such a huge amount of money. I was over excited and I couldn't control my joy.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer on buying foodstuffs for my family because we were actually starving. we used to take one meal per day or sometimes go without but ever since I received my transfer we can now take three meals per day which I am so grateful for that. secondly, I renovated my house which was in a very poor condition and it was very small; for that reason, my kids were forced to sleep at their grandmothers home which is very far from where we stay. That issue was really stressing me for sure. But I am now thankful because I have my own big house. I took the remaining amount of money and cleared fees for my children because they were always sent home to collect school fees.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
It has always been my greatest desire to live in a more decent and habitable house, unlike the one my seven children and I currently live in. The house is tiny, grass thatched, with walls already carving in, which serves as a kitchen and a bedroom at the same time. We sleep each night with the fear of being hit by collapsing walls. My first priority, therefore, is to build a more spacious, semipermanent house when I receive the first transfers. Once that is complete, I will use the remaining part to purchase goats. For us here, goat rearing is a lucrative venture in that they are not susceptible to infectious diseases and that they breed faster; twice a year.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is the evening. Since my children attend a school which is kilometers away, my day starts as early as five in the morning. Once I prepare them for school, I embark on my normal household chores. And because every task awaits me, my day is always packed with activities here and there. Evening is when I get time to rest after enjoying dinner with my children, and that makes it my happiest part of the day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a sustainable source of income has resulted in my husband spending most of his time in the forest burning charcoal, leaving me alone to care for the children at home. The little income he earns is dismal and in most cases cannot meet the needs of the family. We struggle a lot to keep the children in school leave alone the privilege of having a three meal a day. Receiving this money will bring him closer to the family and will no longer experience cold and lonely nights. Besides, he will assist me in rearing the goats, an area he is good in.
