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 ($430 USD)
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 purchased a plot in a nearby shopping center a year ago, which I intend to build and use to run my current maize-selling business. I was paying a lot in rent, and the idea of owning a shop will relieve me of that burden and save me a lot of money that would have gone to rent. I am saving money from my business and farming activities, which I believe will be useful in purchasing construction materials and paying labor charges in the coming months.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Because they moved from house to house, GiveDirectly's enrollment was fair to everyone in the village because it gave even the elderly and most vulnerable people a chance to talk to them and sign up for the support. Among the many organizations that have visited our village, GiveDirectly has ensured equal treatment and that people fully understand the program before enrolling. I am hopeful that everyone was impressed by the approach taken, and that the next villages to be visited will enjoy it as well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I run a maize-selling business that continues to grow with each additional funding. When I received the second transfer, I spent $200 to replenish the stock that was slowly depleting. As a result, my profit margin has increased because I have never run out of stock since then. I also spent $300 on a heifer that I believe will increase milk production to supplement the first transfer's purchased cow. In addition, I spent the remaining funds on food shopping for my family of six.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($468 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I heard my neighbors celebrating after receiving their first transfer.When I checked my phone, I couldn't find any message from Givedirectly. I was so much worried thinking I hadn't qualified to participate in the program.The following day I called the customer care toll-free number I had been given and they requested I check the balance. When I checked, what greeted my eyes was the balance I had. I was very happy and thankful since I ready to initiate my plans.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is enough to supply of milk from the cow I recently bought. I am no longer spending a lot on buying milk instead I will save to cater to other household needs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the first transfer, I already had plans in place. With KES 48,000 of my first transfer, I spent on buying a lactating dairy cow with its calf. I had been buying milk for a long time from my neighborhood since I never had a cow that could provide us with milk. We are grateful since the cow is providing us with four liters of milk which is adequate for my eight family members and it has reduced the expense of buying milk. I also bought maize for my household which will sustain us for a couple of months before the harvest season. The remaining amount, I spent on buying clothing for my family members.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means better housing for my family. Currently, we stay in a mud house which is dusty and also it gets so muddy during rainy seasons. The walls a made of timber which is easily getting old because of rains. I will use bricks to raise the walls halfway, then the upper part will remain with timber. This will not only take care of the damage by rains but also reduces the workload of smearing the floor weekly. It will cost me KES 15,000. For the rest of the amount, I plan to construct a separate kitchen that will act as a kitchen as well as a room for my young children to be sleeping.
What is the happiest part of your day?
One month ago, I harvested a bag of maize from apiece of the farm that we have. For this month, I have not been purchasing from the market or the store which is so relieving for us. It really makes us happy, as the money that would have been used can be directed to other needs like clothing.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The main challenge is financial constraints. I run a maize store, selling and buying maize at a nearby center. I earn at most KES 5000 per month, which mainly goes to food expenses, especially milk. We do not have a cow of our own, so we constantly have to purchase milk from the neighbors which are so costly, up to KES 2,000 a month since we have five young children who need a healthy diet.
