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 ($524 USD)
access_time almost 5 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 than it would have been if I never received the transfer in that I am certain of access to clean water in my household since I have been able to purchase 5000 Litters water tank . At the moment is its raining in my region and I am harvesting water . Therefore , the struggle of walking to long distance in search of water in dry season because we live in an area where the climate is harsh and on such times with the water shortage at hand and rationing of water. I felt very disappointed after taking a far walk and all I would afford to get is a Jerry can . Its with joy that this challenges are behind me now . Secondly , in the foreseen future, I will no longer incur expenses of buying milk from my neighbors but rather I will get it from my dairy cow that I had bought with the first transfer .
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion , GiveDirectly's field staffs related with our village members with respect and proactively gave solutions when they interacted with beneficiaries who didn't know how to use Mpesa because of their vulnerability either old or illiterate . I personally do not see what GiveDirectly did wrong on its work .
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent 35 ,000 KES of my second transfer to buy a 5000 litter water tank . With the rains , I do harvest water in it hence from today hence forth I will have efficient access to clean water even in dry seasons . The remaining amount , I built a kitchen , therefore, my main house doesn't serve as a kitchen and a living room like before .
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($531 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference is that I get clean water for domestic use right in my compound. I used to cover long distances to fetch water from someone's dam. It used to be hectic and I always wanted to buy a water tank to collect rainwater from my roof but this was impossible given that I get little, only enough for food from my farm. I currently get time to do other chores and give more attention to my farm that would have been wasted looking for water. Thank you so much GiveDirectly.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received the money was the best moment of my life. I was extremely excited to the extent that I could sleep after I read the message because I have never had such a huge amount of money in my life. I got up earlier than usual that day and prepared my best breakfast ever with joy and hope for a better life had dawned on me.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spend my first transfer on a water tank to solve a perennial water problem in my household. It is a huge challenge of obtaining water for domestic use because our area is quite dry. The only water source is a dam that is privately owned and the owner restricts people from drawing water . The water is also not fit for drinking but currently, I don't have a big problem because I have harvested rainwater and the tank is now full of clean water. I also bought a gas cooker and bought some foodstuffs. My life has greatly improved because of this transfer.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that I will be able to buy a dairy cow.I have always wanted to be a dairy farmer both for commercial purposes and to provide milk for my family.In 2017, I built a house meant to zero graze but due to insufficient funds I was not able to get a good breed.With this transfer,I will buy a cow worth sh 70,000 and the remaining amount will cater for feeds.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Starting in the morning till mid day,I work on my small piece of land.Sometimes I weed,plant or harvest.During those times on the farm,there is a lot to do and i get so tired.Nevertheless,this is what my family depends on for food therefore I have to work hard at it.In the afternoon,when am done with the work for the day, I am happy because I get time to rest and spend time with my child.This is the happiest part of my day
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Since I graduated in 2014,I have not been able to secure a job.Without an income,life in this area is difficult because the only activity that people depend on is dairy farming.Since I have not been able to buy a dairy cow to breed,I have not had a means of income.This is the biggest hardship I have faced.