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 ($436 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When we were told that we would receive our transfer, one of my top priorities was to build a decent house for my family. I rely on vegetable sales to supplement my income. My husband is very old, so I am the sole breadwinner. We are the parents of six children. I started building a house with my first transfer, but it wasn't finished due to the high cost of building materials, so I decided to use my entire second transfer to finish it. My previous home was small, and the kitchen was grass thatched. I was unable to build one previously due to financial constraints, as all of my earnings were prioritized on school fees. payment and other basic needs. I am overjoyed and content with how far I have come.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The unconditional nature of the cash was what struck me the most; I had never seen or received money before in my life. Furthermore, the field officers were extremely friendly and treated us with the utmost respect. The enrollment procedure was both free and equitable. So far, I haven't seen anything that I believe should be changed about how the project is run.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My goal for the coming year is to expand my farm work and expand my business. I believe this would bring in additional income for us, which would help us with our children's school fees. Even though I am currently without funds, I am trusting God for a way out.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($474 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of my recent transfer on building another house. I wanted one that is made of timber planks on the walls and cemented on the floor. I hence bought trees that I cut them down and sawed timber. I decided to build this type of house because the one I have been living in is made of mud. I have grown old and my children no longer live around to help me get mud for mudding the house. I have always wished to build another house but I didn't have the money to do so. I do not have a stable source of income and I still had children in school. I was hence struggling with the payment of their school fees. I usually depend on growing vegetables and selling them during the market day which is usually on Monday. Other than that, I bought two bags of maize for our consumption at a total cost of KES 8800. I also bought a few household items that I didn't have, that is, a big cooking pot at KES 2000 and a big kettle at KES 1700. I usually borrow these items whenever I have many guests visiting my house. I hence thought it wise to buy my own having gotten the transfer. Thank you so much GiveDirectly for the support.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The transfer has brought a big difference in my life and that of my family. I am happy having managed to fulfill my wish of building a more permanent house. I now also have the items that I didn't have before, that is, a big cooking pot and a big kettle. I hence no longer have to borrow from the neighbors whenever I have guests visiting my household.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was past 9 am and I was at home taking tea when suddenly I heard my phone ringing notifying me of a new message. I took the phone and I gave it to my last-born child to check what the SMS was all about since I do not know how to read. She checked it and she told me with some excitement in her voice that I had received the KES 55000 that GiveDirectly had earlier promised us. I was so happy on hearing this piece of good news and we celebrated together giving thanks to God. I now knew that I was going to fulfill the plans that I had already made.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
A year ago, I fell sick and I have not healed fully to go about my normal business. I was a vegetable vendor but due to my health condition, I closed down the business to stay at home until I recover. Since then, my husband has been the one supporting me financially to cater to medical treatment. This has been a challenge as sometimes I skip my monthly check-up due to the lack of money hence delaying my recovery.
What is the happiest part of your day?
A year ago, I fell sick and I have been in and out of hospital since then. I am happy because, in the last six months, my health has been improving. This gives me the hope that in a few months to come I will be back on my feet once again strong and healthy enabling me to work and live a normal life.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means my husband and I will live a decent life. We are at our prime age and our six children are all grown up and living independently. We want to change from living in a mud house to a cemented timber house. I am happy that the transfers from Give directly will help us achieve this as KES 60,000 will go into building a three-roomed house and a kitchen. The rest of the money we shall use to pay for my medical insurance because I have arrears of KES 4,500. This will ease the burden of paying cash when I visit the hospital for my monthly check-ups.
