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
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I depend on dairy and crop farming mainly for my family's consumption. I always do this farming on my 3-acre farm and currently own 3 crossed dairy cows. My goal this year is to purchase an extra one-acre piece of land closer to my farm. I intend to grow more maize that I would sell to support the education of the children.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did well in enrolling all eligible households in the community. Furthermore, the officers were very polite and professional. They elaborated on the enrollment stages well; it was easy to understand the processes, and no one faced discrimination basic on politics or religion status.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have desired to build a decent and spacious house for my family. This is because we have been living with my 6 children in a small leaking structure and almost open. It was such a pathetic condition during the winter period as kids were always diagnosed with cold-related illnesses. I spent the recent transfers to construct a modern two-roomed, mud-plastered house for the family. Nowadays, I am glad we are living in a nice shelter courtesy of the aid from GiveDirectly. Moreover, I used part of the remaining amount to acquire new furniture that are bed and mattress, table and chairs. Lastly, I bought a solar lighting system for my house. At the moment, I am happy to get enough light at night and my children can now afford to do their night studies at home.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at my farm that evening when I received a message notification from Givedirectly. When I opened the message, it was a confirmation of a receipt of my first transfer. The news was so exciting and immediately called my spouse to inform her of the same and she was equally excited. I made plans to go and withdraw the following day since we had agreed on the projects we were to spend the money on.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the transformation that I have witnessed in my household so far. I am looking forward to doing more with my second transfer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After being enrolled in the program, we immediately started laying down plans on how we will spend the money with my wife As soon we received the transfer, I spent KES 15,000 in paying school fees for my daughter who was joining form one and also spent KES 4,000 in paying for tuition fees for my son in primary school. I was happy since the transfer was timely. I am happy since my children got ample time to study without being sent home to collect fees. I also purchased a heifer for KES 22,000. This was an addition to the one I had. This means more milk production of milk and we can sell to earn an extra income. With KES 5,000 I spent on buying a sheep which I have now a responsibility of ensuring that it feeds well so that I can sell to cater for school fees. The remaining amount, I spent on buying food for my family. I am grateful to Givedirectly for this timely support and hope to change more with my second transfer.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Production and sale of milk is a stable source of income for many families in our region. This pushes me into considering buying a dairy cow with KES 30,000 of this money. This will help me tap more income in the future through the sale of milk. I will be also able to cut the cost of buying milk which had raised our cost of living. This will be a sign of relief and happiness for the family. My little income of about KES 500 daily is not sustainable for us. This only goes into the family's basic needs making me unable to build a better house for my family. With this money, I will plan KES 40,000 to build a two-roomed house for my family. The remaining money will go to buying food and other family basic needs for the household.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am a carpenter and this has been my source of income. It earns me about KES 500 daily. With this, I can put food on the table for my family. This makes me happy and more so when I go to sleep knowing that I have work for the following day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Providing food for a family of eight is the big challenge that we are currently experiencing. Maize is no longer productive in our area due to maize rust disease and unfavorable climatic conditions. We only rely on food from the market which sells at exorbitant prices. At times we skip meals to survive which is embarrassing to me as a family breadwinner.
