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 ($469 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?
My new goal is to fence my land. I want to do the fencing because I want to leave the cows to graze freely on their own. Most of the time there is no one to look after the cows when we have gone out to work. As a result, we usually tie the cows up and leave them to graze. The cows do not get enough feeding through this method. I currently do not have the money to do the work but I plan to raise the needed amount from my business of vending fruits and vegetables. Apart from that, I also usually do the business of preparing tea and selling it in a small kiosk. There are a few self-help groups that I have joined that we usually make merry-go-round contributions. I am waiting for my turn to receive the contributions. I plan to use the money that I will get on fencing. With the fenced land, my cows will be able to graze freely without being tied up or looked after. They will be able to feed well and I will no longer have to worry about them going to the farm to destroy the crops that have been planted.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did well by organizing an entry-level meeting with the community members before embarking on the census and registration processes. They taught us well humbly and politely and we understood what the program entailed. I however would like to urge them to walk on their own when they come to the village to register people. This is because some people feel like the village elder is influencing the process in that they feel like he is saying some ill things about them.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of my second transfer money on buying a water tank and setting it up. I bought the tank at KES 25000 and I used KES 1000 on constructing the surface for placing the tank. I decided to buy the tank because I wanted to collect rainwater when the rainy season starts. This way we will no longer have to make long trips to the river to fetch water. I was not in a position to buy the water tank before even though I had always desired to have it. The money that I make from my businesses, most of it usually goes to the purchase of food and household goods such as soap, oil, etc. I have thus not been able to save up enough money to make such a development. I am hence so much thankful to GiveDirectly for the support, may God bless you.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($495 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received the transfer I felt so happy. I remember vividly that it was a round 9 am. When I heard a message tone from my phone. I was cleaning the utensils. I stopped to check out, I could not believe my eyes, it was message confirming that I have received money from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy because I have never received such amount of money before. I immediately inform my family members and they were so happy. I knew I would be able to cement the floor of my house. I am so happy because of the support.
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 have cemented the floor of my house. I had always wished to do this but I didn't had the money. I depend on small scale farming and causal jobs in the village. The amount of money that I get through this is so small and I was not able to save. I was living in a dusty house and we were being exposed to dusty particals which might cause some diseases. Cleaning the floor was so tedious and stressful. It involves mixing soil and cow dung. Currently my house look for decent. I have cemented all the floors. My family is no longer exposed to dust particles like before. Cleaning this floor is so simple. I am so grateful because GiveDirectly has enabled me to live in s conducive environment and free from dust.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent the money I received from GiveDirectly to purchase the building materials and cemented the floor of my house. I used to live in a dusty floor house. I had always wished to cement it.The rest of the money I bought food, clothes and paid for the labour. I am so grateful because GiveDirectly has changed my living standard.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will mean I will have a boost for my small business.I cook tea and porridge at home which I sell at the nearest hospital to patients.In a day I make an average of KES 300 from it.I want to build a small descent structure just outside the hospital with a good kitchen at a cost of KES 40,000.This will be very efficient because even when it rains I can sell.It will also increase my profits per day due to increase in production.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Spending the whole day selling foodstuff to patients at Kaboson hospital makes me feel fulfilled.I get to talk to them and encourage them as well.In the evening after work am always happy having gotten something to put food on the table for my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My family depends on me to provide all the basic needs such as food, clothing and school fees.From my business I earn KES 300 per day which is hardly enough to meet all our needs especially school fees for my two children in secondary school.A term does not end before they are sent home to collect school fees and this stresses me a lot .Financial constraints has therefore been the greatest hardship.