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.
Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($517 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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The recipient was not asked any questions as part of this follow up.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($532 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
Owning the pair of oxen to me is the biggest difference in my daily life. I have been doing my farming using hoes which was tiresome and ineffective on a larger acreage. Cultivating my whole farm was expensive thus a large portion of the farm was sometimes left uncultivated. I could only hire oxen from neighbours for ploughing my farm, however, this was costly for me. Having my own pair will ensure that I do my farming early and timely during the planting season. I am expecting increased yields now that I can effectively plough and cultivate the whole farm on time, which will ensure food security for my family.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I heard my phone ringing early in the morning, which was a notification of an incoming messages. Since I couldn't comprehend what the message was all about, I waited until daybreak, where I called my helper who confirmed to me that money had been sent into my account. On enquiring who the sender was, I was filled with inexpressible joy when I realized that GiveDirectly had finally sent the first transfer. I gave thanks to them for fulfilling their promise to me.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I have desired for a long time to buy a pair of oxen to aid me in my farming. I have been using hoes for farm preparation and hiring the oxen during the planting season was costly, and many times a large portion of my farm was left uncultivated. When I received the money, I spent KES 30000 to purchase the pair of oxen. I am happy that I will no longer be hiring from anyone, instead, I will also be hiring to them at a fee, thus earning an income. In addition, ever since I received the money, providing the basic necessities like foodstuffs to my family has never been a problem unlike before when we could skip meals. I am buying foodstuffs daily enough for my family, as well as paying for other household expenses and items needed.
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I will be able to meet my daily basic needs such as food and water a lot easier than before. I plan to use part of my transfers as capital for a second hand clothes business that my last born will be managing. With the profits made from it, I will buy food, water and other necessities. I also intend to buy oxen to assist me in farming thus increasing my yields because I will be able to cover a larger portion of my farm within a shorter time.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My son never fails to call me everyday in the morning just to know how am doing. This makes it the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship is insufficient finances for my daily upkeep. Since am too old to work, I mostly engage in farming to get my daily bread. However, since last year, the rains have been disappointing and my crops do not mature. I now have to depend on my son who is in Mombasa doing casual jobs such as carrying luggage for travellers. His income is very low yet he also has his own family to take care of. I am sometimes forced to skip meals because there is not enough money to afford all three meals.
