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 ($495 USD)
access_time almost 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is currently different because I have enough oxen for farming. Farming will not cost me as much as I used to. I have avoided the cost of hiring someone to prepare my land. I am also hoping to start working for other people in order to get money.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well because these transfers have given me money to get farm labor. This is important for me because it has reduced my farming costs because I don't have to hire.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent the money I received on buying two oxen. I am going to be using them during farming. I then bought building materials for preparing my living house. I changed the roofing sheets because they were too old. I then bought poles that were needed for the construction. I also intend to also put up a kitchen using the remaining materials.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($543 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I used to sleep on mats with a few old and worn-out rags as my bedding for a long time. When I received my first transfer, I decided to upgrade by purchasing a new mattress and a new wooden bed. on. I am now enjoying a comfortable sleep unlike before. I feel having good bedding to sleep on helps me rest well which allows me to perform well on my next days' activities. According to me, this is the biggest difference in my life.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I saw the transfer notification early in that morning and for sure I couldn't believe it at first. It took me time before accepting that I actually had KES 55000 on my phone. I remember waiting for everyone to wake so that I could break the good news to them. We later sat down and discussed how best we would spend the money to improve our living standard.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent KES 28000 of my first transfer to purchase a pair of oxen. My intention is to use this pair to improve on my farming. I believe that the oxen will help plant on time unlike before when I used to hire casual labourers who were not efficient on larger acreage. Apart from this, I also spent KES 7500 to buy goats which I am currently keeping in my homestead. Even as they reproduce and multiply, I will be able to sell the offspring and raise money in case of a financial need. In addition to that, I also bought new bedding to replace the old worn-out sheets that I am currently using. I bought a new mattress and a new bed worth KES 10000. At least I can now afford to sleep comfortably. I spent the remaining amount to cater for my families basic needs and a few household expenses.
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Vending vegetables within the village in order to have a reliable source of income has been my greatest desire. Due to insufficient finances, this wish has never materialized and I have always gone through difficulties. With the grant gift from GiveDirectly, I am glad that my dreams will be realized and I plan to spend $100 to start the business. In addition to my planned investments, I intend to spend $300 to buy an oxen and ox plough to help me upscaling my farming. I also plan to use my second transfer to buy 10 goats to act as my long term investment and this will change my life for the better. Hence, a happy life.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day because I usually get ample time to rest from my tight scheduled day. In the morning, I always do my household chores and thereafter, spending the entire afternoon in the bush burning charcoal.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
It adds to 5 months now since the death of my husband whom has long been the sole breadwinner for the family. Since his demise, I assumed the role of providing the family with the basic needs something that has forced me to opt charcoal burning as my source of income. This job is very tedious and low paying but since I have no other option, I am compelled to do it in order to sustain my children in school and also to put food on the table. Therefore, I consider lack of a reliable source of income as my biggest hardship.
