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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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying building materials such as twenty-seven bags of cement at KES 14850, iron sheets at KES 10000, bricks at KES 24000, and sand at a total of KES 6500. I had intended to renovate my house because the previous one was almost falling down. Also, it had holes all over and walls and we were always affected by the cold nights. My children were always attacked by cold-related diseases like pneumonia. With the remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for my family and other household items.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has been doing a great job in my life because of the many positives that have been happening in my life. I received the exact amount of money that I was promised without any delay. Also, the officers advised me that I can choose what to purchase according to my needs. I do not see any part GiveDirectly failed.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I do not have any new goals so far because all I can mention is that I was able to fulfill all my heart's desires. The main aim was to renovate my house which had weak walls and I was worried that it might collapse at any time. This was accomplished and we no longer complain about the harsh weather anymore.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($494 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Out of the transfer I received, I only set aside some money and bought some food stuff for my family and saved the rest. My aim was to buy some livestock but due to the dryness in our area, I was afraid tge livestock may end up dying due to lack of grass and water. The budget I had placed for the livestock was KES 30000.00. Once the climate changes, I will fulfill my desire of rearing livestock.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference I can attest is the fact that my family and I have access to daily meal notvas before when we used to even sleep hungry. Seeing a bowl of porridge was a miracle but as at I wish to register my sincere appreciation to GiveDirectly for pulling me out of that situation.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 9am when I decided to pause to take a rest due to the long distance I had taken from fetching some water. No sooner had I took off the bucket of water from the head than I received a message in my phone. On reading the message, I was overwhelmed despite being tired. I had received the first transfer from GiveDirectly. Immediately I gained strength thus took back the bucket to my head and continued with my journey home due to the excitement I had for receiving a huge amount of money that I haven't received in my life.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The lack of a reliable source of income for my household is generally the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life. I have all time desired to have a reliable source of income for our household but this has never been possible and my husband is doing some casual jobs that earn him utmost $5 per day, an income that doesn't fully cater to our needs. This has forced me to engage in very odd jobs like vending charcoal, a work that is energy-intensive and this has affected me health-wise since sometimes, I complain of chest pain.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The evening is the happiest part of my day because it is at this time when I am getting ample time to rest from my day's strenuous activities. Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours when I am fully involved in my charcoal work. A very tiresome job.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a reliable source of income to my household which is as of now is experiencing many difficulties. I have desired to start a shop business but due to financial crisis, this has never been possible. With the cash grant from GiveDirectly, I am very positive about realizing my dream since I intend to use a better portion of my first transfer ($400) to ensure this comes through. Part of my transfers will help me to buy 7 goats for $40 each, which will be my store of wealth to support my children's education in the future. The remaining amount will help me to sustain my other household needs like food and nice beddings.
