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 ($467 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
So far, I do not have any new goals and I am grateful that I was able to achieve all that I had shared before. One of them is purchasing a motorbike, this business has improved my living standards considering that I did not have any reliable job before. Currently, I have been able to settle all my bills on time from the profits I earn.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
According to me, the organization has been doing perfectly well in every household within the village. First, the registration was free and fair, also everyone received the same amount of money as promised. The cash transfer was sent directly into our phones without involving any governmental office. Therefore I do not see any sector in which GiveDirectly needs to change.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying six goats worthy of KES 15000. It has been my dream to at least own one but because of financial problems, I could not afford it. I settled for them because they can survive so well in my region and they require minimal supervision. To add to that, I bought new beddings which comprised of a high-density mattress and a modern wooden bed at a total of KES 13000. Previously I used to sleep on the floor since I couldn't even afford to buy mats. Every morning I could complain of pains and fatigue. It was a tough moment for me while family at large they were also affected. I also bought a new door to fix on the house since I felt I needed enough security. Later on, I cleared school fees of KES 4000 for my kids and they are now studying without any interference. With the remaining amount of money, I bought foodstuffs for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($492 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt so happy when I received the money, I jumped around like a new born calf because I had been going through lots of hardships being a widow and the sole provider. It was really hard for me, all I could do was just wish and desire a better life with less difficulties but had no means to address the challenges I was facing.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the relief I now have ever since I started receiving payments from GiveDirectly. I got a motorcycle which is both a helper in fetching water as well as an investment because it operates as a motorcycle taxi. I am happier and settled now unlike before, all thanks to GiveDirctly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The thing that took a huge chunk of my transfer is the motorcycle that I bought on hire purchase and made a downpayment of KES30000 because one of the biggest challenges and problems we have in our area is water. We travel very far to fetch water and hiring the services of a motorcycle taxi is very expensive, therefore, getting our own motorcycle is a very huge relief and investment as well since it operates as a motorcycle taxi so it brings us some cash every day. I also spent a total of KES8000 to settle my childrens' school fees arrears because they had been sent away from school and had stayed home for long, therefore I decided to settle the arrears and pay school fees becaause that too is something that will benefit me in the future because with the education my children will get employment and be able to look after me.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means education for my children. My children have been out of school and the biggest challenge has been the inability to pay their school fees. My husband was taken to prison in 2020 and since then I have been struggling alone with the children. I am planning to use KES 70,000 to cater for the education of my children. This will enable them have enough study time in school and this will finally translate to improved academic performance. I will use the balance to buy one pair of ox-plough valued at KES 30,000 for farming so as to improve on my farm production. Doing this will make me a happy woman because this is what I have always desired to do.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Morning is the happiest part of my day. With all the pain I have been through, waking up in the morning sounds like the best gift ever from God. I wake up, pray and thank God for the new day and this makes me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in my life is prolongoled chest pains. I have been engaging in hard casual jobs to raise my family and this has really affected my health. I have been to several hospitals without any hope. This has made me unable to engage in some jobs and I am only left with the small business which is also not sustainable.