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 ($439 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My short-term goal has always been to start and run a grocery store. Selling fish, cabbage, kale, etc., I would have a new source of income from which to support myself. Aside from that, I dream of finding a wife who would be content with tending the farm and looking after our home. If I could find a partner such as this, I could focus on making a living for the both of us, knowing that things at home are fully catered to.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In terms of justice, honesty, and integrity, GiveDirectly excels. I doubt I would have gotten these funds if the government had been in charge of this project, oh God forbid. I now have the autonomy and freedom to take care of my needs however I see fit thanks to GiveDirectly. I will always be grateful to them.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I quickly ranked all the improvements I wanted to make in our lives but hadn't been able to because of a lack of cash. As soon as GiveDirectly provided the money. I located and swiftly made the purchase of a dependable 2000-liter water tank. With the aid of this tank, we were able to finally ensure that our home had enough water after years of struggle. I committed to using the money to make our lives better, so I spent some of it to renovate my two-bedroom home, making it a little more livable and adding a verandah. I've been divorced from my wife for five years, and we've never been able to conceive kids. Being the fifth and final kid,with only my mother alive, I focus all my efforts on my 3-acre farm, where I grow coconuts and cassava for sale and domestic use. Sadly, the drought has been rather rough this year, so part of the funds also went towards ensuring I had food for both myself and my family as a whole. I am eternally grateful for all that GiveDirectly has done for me and my extended family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($471 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was in my kitchen preparing breakfast for myself at around 9 o'clock when I received a call from my friend. He informed me that the GiveDirectly transfers that we had eagerly awaited were out. Immediately after completing the call, I received a message alert on my phone. I was very anxious to know the content of the message, surprisingly, it was the transfer. I was extremely happy for receiving my transfer since I had put a lot of hope on it to change my life for the better.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is that I currently have a water tank that is supporting me a lot by storing enough water for the family. Nowadays, I am not stressed by walking long distances to get this important life necessity
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Our area is semi-arid and getting water for household consumption is the greatest challenge. I had desired to own a water tank where I would harvest rainwater. After receiving the transfer, I spent KES 15,000 of my transfer to purchase a water tank with 1500 litres capacity. I also bought gutters, and 3 bags of cement for the construction of the rainwater harvesting systems. In addition, I bought new mattress for KES 6000, this is because the one I had earlier had worn out and was no longer comfortable. Also, I was able to boost my poultry rearing by purchasing 2 ducks, a future investment for my family. Lastly, I bought a second-hand bicycle for KES 7,000, this will help me in carrying water whenever there is shortages.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My work is to do farming, particularly crop farming. My job has had a challenge because we received rains two years ago. The drought and family caused a separation between my wife and me. This happened two years ago. Since then I have been struggling with life alone. I desire to carry farming to another level despite the drought problem. I will make a water pan on my piece of land to buy flour and use it as wage after people have done work. The water pan will help me to do irrigation and harvest enough food to take me throughout the year and even sell some to the community. I have a 5 acres piece of land and I plan to do irrigation in all the 5 acres. I anticipate harvesting approximately 30 bags of 90kg each.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In February 2022, the county government of Kilifi gave seedlings to all crop farming farmers. I good 50 mango seedlings and if all goes well then once it rains I will plant all of them. The county has boosted my work.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Drought is the current challenge I am facing. My 2 acres piece of land is full of a variety of crops. That is cassava, banana trees, mango trees, and coconut trees. All these crops are drying up every day.
