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 ($492 USD)
access_time over 3 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 now different than before because through the transfers I managed to construct two houses, that is for my children and mine. Initially, we used to shelter under a very small house which couldn't accommodate some of the family members also the roofing was too old. I had the dream of construing a decent spacious one but I couldn't afford because buying the necessary materials was very expensive. Therefore we used to seek shelter from our friends which absolutely stressful. Life was unbearable and we and hoped for a financial breakthrough that would at least end what we were encountering. I am glad now because we are all big under one roof. In addition to that, I am now sleeping on nice beddings and I no longer complain of back pains.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well because our lives are totally different. We have been able to achieve lots of things that we never thought of owning anytime soon. Most of us could not access a better shelter, the village was filled with grass-thatched houses that were in a poor state. Also, no one of us had livestock becasue of the financial hardships. directly has now brought joy and we can't thank them enough. Therefore I do not see any part GiveDirectly has not done well
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying bedding such as three mattresses and one bed at a total of KES 26900. This was to replace the old bedding that we have been using for all that time. Also, I bought a new wooded door and fixed it in my house. the previous one was damaged. Also, with the remaining amount, I am using by buying enough food such as bags of maize, vegetables, sugar, and some other household items that I was lacking.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($493 USD)
access_time almost 4 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 7 AM when I was preparing breakfast for my family then I heard y phone vibrating. At first, I ignored it but it vibrated for the second time, I was so curious and decided to check who it could be. On checking, I realized that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. They had finally sent the money as they had promised a few weeks ago during the enrolment. I felt happy all I could is to laugh on top of my voice.
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 now sleep under a good shelter. I have been longing to own my own better house for so many years and getting this reward brought the change. Previously, I used to shelter under a small hut with a leaking roof which was very small. The poverty life that had stricken my household made me lose hope for constructing ab decent house in my life. The little amount that I used to earn was only for food and buying other small household items. This is now a history currently because I sleep under an iron-roofed house which is spacious enough to accommodate all my family members. Therefore I no longer worry about the rains which have been a bother in my entire life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Previously I used to shelter under a grass-thatched small hut with some crack walls. Therefore I spent the larger part of my first transfer on buying some building materials for the purpose of building a decent house. The materials were several building poles, iron sheets, threads nails, and timber. In addition to that, I purchased some beddings which include a new bed and a mattress. With the remaining amount of money, I am using it in buying enough foodstuffs for my family.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Besides being a widow, my health has also deteriorated. I have been suffering from chronic ulcers for almost 5 years now but due to financial challenges, I failed to sick proper medication. Receiving this money means seeking proper treatment from specialists. I am planning to spend 25,000 on medication. Other than that, I will use the extra amount to built a semipermanent house to my son who currently spends the night in neighbors compound.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is the evening. It is during this time when I sit with my children and grandchildren at our compound and chats and laugh.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Poor health has become my biggest challenge in life. This condition has made me suffer a lot because It has hindered me from doing my casual jobs which could earn me little coins. Now days I rely on my elder son who does casual jobs in towns.