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 ($439 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I intend to keep covering my children's tuition costs until they graduate. Second, to attempt large-scale farming even when the drought is severely affecting us. Last but not least, I also intend to take care of my family by getting them meals and assisting my husband with household chores.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I appreciate how far GiveDirectly has helped me get. My family has benefited greatly from this type of aid in terms of food, school tuition, and the construction of a new home. I really appreciate it. I have absolutely no complaints.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the $330 from the second transfer, I was able to finish building my two-roomed house. I formerly resided in Nakuru, but with the passing of my mother- and father-in-law, I moved back here with my family. I used to dwell in their home before they passed away whenever my family and I went to visit them in the village. In accordance with Maasai tradition, I must first reside in their home before constructing my own. This was greatly aided by a portion of the first and second transfers. Before GiveDirectly, we didn't have a home, but now I do, thanks to them. My eldest child, who is now married, is one of my three children; the other two are still in high school. paying their tuition has been the main issue because I only depend on growing vegetables and maize for food, while y husband's line of work is driving which also does not provide a lot to carter for school fees, and other necessities in our home. This has been so difficult because of the ongoing drought. Occasionally, during harvest season, I receive little to no yield. Because of this, my family has been unable to eat, which has resulted in poor health and performance due to frequent absences from school due to a lack of school fees.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($482 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 4.30pm when I received a message on my phone. Being a vegetable vendor, it was an evening full of activities since I was selling my vegetables i.e tomatoes and onions. I was happy and went and withdraw funds the following day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The joy of seeing my children happily settled in school is my biggest difference in my daily life.I am grateful to Givedirectly for the great support that has transformed our lives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Clearance of school fees after receiving my first transfer was on top of my to do list. With Ksh.18,000 I cleared all the arrears. I am happy that my children have had an ample time to study and catch up with other students. I also purchased a sheep at a cost of Kshs. 7,000 and in future can sell to raise some amount for school fees. With the remaining amount I bought clothes for all my households members.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a stable source of income. I used to depend on small businesses of running a small kiosk but I migrated from where I was hence had to close down the shop. I have identified a business opportunity where I live but due to financial constraints, I cannot actualize my dreams. Currently, we are paying school fees for my 3 stepchildren at the secondary level. My spouse who is the sole breadwinner is a driver but he got involved in an accident recently and for the past 3 months he cannot work. I am planning to use KES 20,000 to purchase building materials to construct a small kiosk and KES 30,000 as start-up capital. This will help me raise income for school fees for my children and meet my family's needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Good weather condition is what has brought me happiness for the last six months. Whenever we experience prolonged drought, pasture and animal feed become scarce hence low or no yields at all. As for the last six months, we have had consistent rainfall.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The challenge we are facing currently is financial constraints. 3 months ago, my spouse was involved in a road accident that broke his arm. As a driver, he cannot do his normal work anymore yet it was the only source of our income. Currently, we depend on loans and sell family properties. This gets us into a huge debt that we may be unable to repay on time.
