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 ($521 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I never expected that I would use a pair of oxen to do my farming. I was only hiring from neighbours during the planting season which was costly for me. I am happy that I will not hire anymore. In addition to this, I also bought some bedding to replace the old bedding I was using. I now have a comfortable place to sleep on.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Choosing and enrolling the needy households to benefit from GiveDirectly was well done in our region which I applause them for doing it perfectly. I do not see anything that GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent KES 12000 of the second transfer to purchase a bed and a mattress. Having new beddings has changed my life since I can comfortably sleep unlike before when I was using mats. I also took KES 16000 to purchase a heifer which I am currently keeping in my homestead. Apart from this, I also took KES 7500 to send my son to a driving school. I paid some debts on the remaining amount and also buying some foodstuffs for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I had desired for a long time to have my own pair of oxen to enable early and timely cultivating since rainfall is unreliable in my area. Due to financial constraints, then I could not fulfil this. It's only when GiveDirectly came to our village and through their financial support, I managed to buy my own pair. Owning this pair is the biggest difference in my daily life because I am assured of timely cultivation and early planting during the season.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was going through the messages in my inbox to check the various notifications I had on my phone, and I came across the message from GiveDirectly, on checking its contents, I realised that my transfer had finally been sent. I was filled with happiness and felt thankful for GiveDirectly had honoured their promise.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer to buy a pair of oxen. I had desired for a long time to have my own pair to help me in cultivating, for sure getting my own pair will enable me to do early and timely cultivation, considering that our area has unreliable rainfall. Initially, I had to hire from neighbours at a fee, this was however expensive for me. With the pair, I will no longer be hiring from neighbours, instead, I will be hiring to them at a fee. Also, I will increase the acreage to get more yields. I also enrolled my grandson who had stayed home jobless to a driving school to learn so as to become a better person and will be seeking employment. This will help him to get an opportunity to be employed as a driver. I also bought food for my family and in meeting other needs.
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means i will be able to engage in an income generating activity. Being too old to open and run a business, i prefer to invest part of the transfers in livestock which does not consume much energy. This is also because my husband is a herder and will be able to take good care of the animals. With the rest, i will pay part of fees and do shopping for my grandson who is supposed to join secondary school this month but has not reported yet due to lack of finances. I believe when he succeeds in his education, he will be of much help to me in future.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the mornings, everybody is always in a hurry to leave for their daily duties but in the evenings I get to spend quality time with my family and even enjoy a meal together with them. This makes evening the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of finances has been my biggest struggle in life. I have been cutting down trees and burning charcoal as a way to earn a living. However, this work is too labour intensive and has also affected my health causing unending chest pains which also requires money to treat which I do not have.
