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 ($483 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I do not have any other new goal so far because the other I had desire to accomplish was to rear dairy cows. I am happy that I was able to fulfill this and for no,w that has increased in number. Also, I have been getting plenty of milk whereby I have been selling some liters to my friends and generating an income. I have been able to take hold care of my family without having to strain. Also, the remaining liters are for my family's consumption which is a surplus for their daily meals.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well by making sure that all the needy houses received unconditional cash transfers to improve their living standard. I must mention that this is a unique organization I have heard of so far. Our lives have changed and this is evident through the permanent decent houses that have been built in our village
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on adding stock to my charcoal business which cost around KES 10000. It was almost collapsing because I have been utilizing the capital plus the little profits to clear my bills. I was worried since it was the only source of income that I had relied on. The fact that I managed to revive it has brought a positive impact on my household. I no longer struggle when meeting the family's basic needs like before. I also bought a motorbike worthy KES 45000. This has created a job opportunity for my spouse who has been jobless for years. Raising six children was so tough by then. I am so happy and grateful to GiveDirectly because all has been well from the day they came into our lives.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($497 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was on my way back from fetching water from the nearby water pan. I was with 3 other relatives coming home. Our phones ringing at the same time we did not mind to stop to monitor our phones. When I reached house, I checked my phone and I was surprised to see an Mpesa message indicating I had receive my transfer. I felt very happy for the aid that will accomplish my desires in life.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am living a better life after restart my charcoal business which had collapsed some years ago. At the moment, I am having a reliable source of income that is helping me in meeting our needs. In addition, my husband no longer works at the shop, he is managing our charcoal business.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 30,000 to restart my charcoal business in Mombasa town by renting a place for 10,000 and purchasing a start stock of 13 bags of charcoal for KES 20,000. Previously, it collapses due to lack of enough capital which forced me to return home with my family. My husband had to look for employment in a shop as a shopkeeper. The income he was getting was not enough to support the family's basic needs like food. I also used KES 14,000 to purchase one indigenous dairy cow. I will be able to have enough milk supply once it reproduces. Likewise, I am planning to sell the male offspring to support my children's education. Furthermore, I spent KES.9000 to clear the fees for my children as well as buying nice uniforms, initially, they were going to school in casual clothes.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money from GiveDirectly means I will be able to buy a two acre piece of land. Currently, I am living in a clan owned land, which makes it hard to make long term investments.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is in the afternoon. This is the time my school going children come back home for lunch before they head back to school for their afternoon to evening session. Seeing my children enjoying lunch together gives me happiness and comfort.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is the biggest hardship. I only farm on a less than an acre piece of land. The produce I get is very little to sustain me and my family for a longer period of time.