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 ($457 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?
My new goal is to build a new kitchen which will as well serve as a granary. This is because my house is very small beside the smoke has been affecting my grandchildren for so long. Additionally, I feel I need a proper place to store my farm products to avoid damage and loss from rodents.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
According to me, GiveDirectly did not do anything wrong that needs to be changed. The organisation is well organised from the services that they offered to us which were so unique. To sum up the idea of offering us the unconditional cash transfer was the best. This has empowered us enough to own decent houses and send our children to school among others.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying construction materials which include, bricks, cement, and wire mesh. I had intended to finish putting up the rental house which was for my late son. He passed on while still under construction and I felt it would be wise to compete it so that my grandchildren would have an asset that they can lean on specifically for their school journey. I am now a happy soul to see their dream come true. Apart from that, I paid fees for my grandson who is in her second year in high school. If it were not for the support he would still be at home because I had tried all I could to acquire the needed cash but in vain. To add to that, I cleared my medical bill after being diagnosed with stomach ulcers. I am so happy that for now, I can perform my daily duties unlike before whereby I used to experience unending pains. With the remaining amount of money, I bought foodstuffs for my family and cleared some debts.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($471 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 9 am, I was outside our house relaxing while chatting with my relatives waiting for breakfast before we could start our daily work. My phone was silent so I did not realize when I received the SMS alert until our daughter-in-law came to confirm our account balance. I was very happy about receiving the transfer that I eagerly waited to change my life. I had to wait until the next day to withdraw the cash to fulfill my ambitions in life.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I currently own livestock something that I will be depending on whenever I face any financial challenge. Also, I will be able to earn income from milk vending to support my small household necessities.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 30,600 to purchase two local dairy cows. I had desired to start dairy farming but I lacked the financial capital to start it. This is the future investment that will help me, when they reproduce I will be vending milk in the village to support my basic needs like food and save some for any financial emergency that might arise in the future. In addition, I repaired my house by putting up a door since I did not have a door and most of my commodities were not safe. Furthermore, I bought a mattress for KES 8,000, this is because I was using sacks as bedding that were not comfortable enough.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Marital conflicts showed me the door out of my brutal and womanising ex husband. First wife had already left because of his behaviour and I could not endure as well.Together with my son and his family, we returned to my maternal home. My son got employed as a cook in town and life was good till his death, approximately thirteen months ago. Without someone to look up to, I have yearned to start a small business in order to fend myself but in vain. It will be my pleasure to secure two heifers which will cost close to 40 000KES. Having cattle in my compound will help me in many ways including getting money from selling milk which will support my grandchildren and I in food provision.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have been suffering from stomach pains and uncontrollable running stomach for over five years. I was diagnosed with ulcers after my brother took me to hospital about five months ago. After a series of medication, I got healed. Am currently enjoying eating food and sleep without intervals of waking up and running to toilet at night.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My only son has been solely responsible for my survival. His death (about one year ago) which was caused by food poisoning after continuous family discord had left me go through tough and unbearable life. At the age of 63 years, you will still find me carry heavy logs to burn charcoal in order to fend my bereaved grandchildren and myself. My son had started constructing my house which has stalled since his demise. Every morning I do wake up with a sad face and a stressed mind figuring out what to do in order to get money. I have been thinking of keeping cattle which can easily boost me economically but lack of capital has not made it through.
