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 ($466 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
After getting the second transfer, I did not develop an alternative goal apart from the one I already had. But as at now once I get some money, I will invest in livestock by adding the number of goats that I already have. This is because goats are affordable and they have ready markets.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly relieved us from the struggle we were passing through. It was a drought season, getting water and food was a big challenge for most families hence people were starving. Through the transfers we revived from the death of hunger which was brought by poverty and the drought. I am very grateful for the support my community and I received, sincerely we cannot forget this organization for the good humanitarian work it did for us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon withdrawing the second transfer money, the first thing I did was buying a bicycle for KES 17000.00. This bicycle has been very instrumental in aiding us in fetching some water since the water points are miles away. at some point it was also hired by other families to fetch some water and through that it generated some income to us as a family. I also bought three goats for KES 10500.00. I also have two children who are in primary school and I paid KES 2600.00 school fees for them. Thereafter, I bought a mattress for KES 6200.00. Since the time we received the money was not friendly in terms of getting some food because it was very dry, I reserved the remaining amount for the family upkeep.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($486 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had gone to the nearby water pan to fetch water for my family. My phone was in the house charging since it had low power. I returned home at around noon when I decided to check the phone. I was so excited after learning that I had received my transfer from GiveDirectly. I had my spouse at home and I immediately called him to notify him about the good news. Every member of my family was very happy and we celebrated receiving our transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Living in a decent shelter with my family is the biggest difference in my life. Previously, my house was about to collapse and leak a lot during the rainy season. I was spending sleepless nights with family members because of the poor condition of my house something that eats away the joy of my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 26000 of my transfer to renovate my house which was in a bad condition since it was leaking and about to collapse. I bought 10 iron sheets and 25 buildings pole to construct a new rooftop. I also bought 3 goats for KES 6000 to start livestock rearing a reliable source of income for my family. Previously, I was a charcoal vendor a job that did not earn me much to support my household's needs. In addition, I support my kid's education by paying their school fee arrears. The remaining amount assisted me in purchasing enough food for the family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will help me venture into goat keeping, a venture that I have always wanted but limited resources has always been a hindrance. My plan is to start with 7 goats which will cost approximately KES 30,000. Goat keeping does well in this semi arid region. They can survive the harsh weather conditions and they multiply very fast. This will serve a source of income to satisfy my needs. I also have a plan of extending my two roomed house by one more room. This will create more room for my family of seven. This will cost me KES 10,000.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the afternoon. Unlike the morning and evening hours, I am less busy. I take this time to chat with friends and family around the compound. This is usually very fulfilling to me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Prolonged drought and famine in this region has led to lack of food, water and money to satisfy my needs and that of my family. When we have rains I can at least get food for my children and even sell the surplus for money. The last time we had good harvest was two years ago. We often skip meals because I cannot afford to provide the three meals a day. I depend on selling charcoal to get food. Working in the bushes so as to get charcoal for sale takes a lot of time and the money is barely enough to satisfy all the needs. A sack of charcoal goes for KES 600, which I manage to sell one or two in a week. Food insecurity is therefore my biggest hardship.
