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 ($463 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?
Once the construction of my house is complete, I am planning to start a turn boy job to help in feeding my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well to give out aid in cash format because people's needs are different.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have been living in one tiny grass-thatched house for the past three years. So, when I received my transfers building a better house was my first plan.
I, therefore, spent KES 33,000 on building a 22 Iron-roofed spacious house which is currently in its completion stage. Of, this I used KES 19,000 on 22 Iron sheets, KES 4,000 on the purchase of 20 construction trees, and KES 10,000 on tree cutting costs.
Secondly, I also spent KES 5,000 on two sofa seats. This is because earlier on we used to sit on tree trunks as we couldn't afford a seat.
Thirdly, I spent KES 2, 400 on three bags of maize. This will help sustain my family while I look for a turn-boy job.
Lastly, I spent KES 3000 on the latest clothing fashion. This is because earlier on from my daily casual labor I would only get money for food and second-hand clothes. The rest I have saved towards payment house construction laborers.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was grateful at the moment I received the first transfer. It was around 3:00 am when I received a message and checked it up to confirm what it had for me. Even though I was asleep, I could not fail to get the message alert since the current cellphone I am using has a higher volume than the previous one that I had. I woke my wife up and we could not sleep anymore after a long celebration that extended till dawn. I had to get ready earlier that morning and withdrew the money from the nearby shopping center.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the purchase of a cow. The purchase of milk and the worry of the source of finances to provide for my family is currently a story of the past. I am now enjoying enough provision of milk both for the household and a surplus that I can sell to the neighborhood every morning.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon the withdrawal of my first transfer that morning, I managed to visit the nearest market where I was lucky to secure a dairy cow at KES 35000 that is currently providing enough milk for my family of three. I had been buying milk for a long time and at some point, I have had to depend on my parents and brothers who already have their cows for at least a free liter of milk every day. I also ensured that I equipped my family with other household goods that we had been missing among them are; utensils worth KES 3000, two sacks of dry maize grains serving us as foodstuff, clothing for every member of the household at KES 4000, and saved the remaining amount that has been serving us whenever we run short of any household goods.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means financial stability and asset acquisition. I have worked as a waiter for five years earning KES 1000 per week. These incomes are all spent in a day because the family needs surpass the amount earned. I have been unable to buy furniture, utensils, and dairy cows because of the limited funds. This amount will enable me to start a small restaurant and buy a dairy cow.The milk produced from my farm will be supplied and used in the restaurant.With this I will maximize profits because the cost of sourcing milk from other farms will be reduced.Moreover the skills and experience I have gained will enable me to run and manage the business.I will use KES 20000 to buy a cow and KES 35000 to start a restaurant,the remaining amount will cater for furnitures and other household needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the last 6 months, the visit by my inlaws brought me happiness. They brought me household items and foodstuff that have sustained up until now. This gave me joy because I was relieved from the struggles of trying to look for food.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Limited money and resources are the challenges am currently facing. I work as a waiter earning KES 200 a day. This amount is insufficient to meet the basic needs of my family. For instance, I struggle to ensure that my young daughter feeds well to be healthy. Furthermore furnishing the house, buying enough food and utensils has been a challenge because of the inadequate money. This embarrasses me because I have to borrow chairs and utensils whenever visitors are around.
