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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3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($314 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am determined to take my business to the next level by expanding the variety of food commodities I sell. With the financial support I received, I plan to introduce different types of products, which will allow me to cater to a wider customer base and maximize profits. Diversifying my offerings will not only attract more customers but also create opportunities for growth and sustainability. Moreover, I have already taken the first step towards securing my farm produce by partially fencing my farm. Now, I am eager to complete the fencing all around the farm. This measure will protect my crops from pests and trespassers, ensuring a higher yield. By investing in these improvements, I am confident that my business will flourish, and I will be able to provide better opportunities for my family's future. The financial support has been a stepping stone towards achieving these goals, and I am grateful for the opportunity to enhance my business.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am incredibly grateful for the support I received from GiveDirectly, as it has addressed most of the struggles my family faced. One of the most significant challenges I had was not having a proper home for my children. But with the financial assistance, I was able to secure a place for them to call home. Having a stable and secure home is essential for a family's well-being, and I am filled with joy knowing that my children now have a place they can truly call their own. The burden of uncertainty and instability has been lifted, and we can now focus on building a better life together. The assistance from GiveDirectly has been a lifeline for us, and it has brought positive and lasting changes to our lives. I am humbled by the generosity of others, and I am determined to make the most out of this opportunity to create a better future for my family. As we move forward, I will continue to work hard and utilize the support wisely. It is my hope that with determination and the right choices, we can overcome any remaining challenges. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for making a significant impact in our lives and providing us with the chance to have a place to call home.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the financial support I received from GiveDirectly, I made some essential investments to improve our living conditions. One of the first things I did was purchase a water tank for $390. This tank now allows us to collect rainwater, eliminating the need to buy water, which had been a significant financial drain for us over the years. To further enhance our water supply, I invested in a water pipe to direct water to my compound from the main water pipe. This ensures a more convenient and accessible water supply for my family. Having four children, we needed an adequate supply of water to meet all our needs, from daily consumption to household chores. The water improvements have made a considerable difference in our daily lives, bringing us comfort and saving us from the financial burden of purchasing water. Additionally, I allocated $6,000 to buy food for my family. This move was crucial in shielding us from using the stock from my small shop. By having enough food at home, we can better manage our finances and ensure we have enough to sustain us during challenging times.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($326 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My aspiration is to expand my business, driven by the desire to generate more income that will allow me to adequately cover my children's school fees. I approach this dream with optimism, as I plan to save money from my current business endeavors and reinvest the profits into its growth and development. I believe that with strategic planning and dedication, I will be able to transform my business into a flourishing venture that supports my financial goals and secures a bright future for my children.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The seamless operation of the organization left a lasting impression on me, from the initial enrollment stage to the final stages of their services. Throughout the entire process, the team demonstrated a remarkable commitment to treating us with dignity and respect. Their genuine regard for our well-being made us feel valued and heard every step of the way. It was evident from the very beginning that they were dedicated to delivering the highest quality of service possible. Their unwavering dedication and professionalism were truly commendable.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving the monetary assistance was truly a blessing, as I was fully aware of the positive impact it would have on my life. I am married and have been blessed with four children, and our livelihood primarily relies on subsistence farming and small business ventures. When the transfer came through, my immediate priority was to provide a decent house for my children, considering that we had been sharing a small one, which was no longer suitable for our growing family. With that in mind, I utilized the entire amount of $450 towards the construction of a comfortable house. The joy and relief I feel knowing that my children now have a proper place to sleep cannot be overstated. This task was not an easy one before, given that our farm earnings were barely enough to meet our basic needs.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was so happy to receive the transfer because even though I ran a business on the side, It was only enough for basic needs for a family of six I will also expand my businessdodo
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I have not done farming for so long so the biggest difference is going back to some
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I received ksh 20000 as my first transfer and being that it is time to preapare for planting, I bought 5 sets of wiremesh, bibbed wire one roll to fence an acre of land, I paid ksh 600 for labour for two days.
My plan is to plant mangoes and pawpaw fruits in the three-quarter of the acre and the reamining section i will plant vegetables (sukuma wiki ) for business
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
My home currently isn't that safe, to improve security of my goats and chicken. I plan to use $300 to do fencing around my compound. We also have piped water in our village, it has not reached my house. I intend to use $100 to purchase pipes and also cater for labour costs when setting it. This will enable me to have enough water for domestic use. We currently fetch water from the river, and its very difficult for us. To ensure sustainability of the project, we pay a monthly fee of $2 for water access.
In addition to that, I need to improve the breed of goats I have. I need the bigger ones. I envisage buying 10 goats for $400. I will then let them grow and sell. This means I will be able to plan for my children school fees. My eldest daughter is now at grade 6.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have 19 goats, what makes me happy is their growth. Last month I lost 3 goats due to disease outbreak. I visited a veterinarian and gave me medicine to treat them. The outbreak stopped and that made me really happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am a business man, 35. I bake cakes for sale and that sustains me with my family of 6. What has been the biggest challenge lately is the high cost of baking inputs such as flour, oil and firewood. Before the pandemic came, I used to make a profit of $10 daily. That's is after paying costs of production including workers. Currently I can only manage a meagre $4 a day. This has discouraged me, I even contemplated closing it. It has also forced me to reduce the number of workers. Initially before the pandemic, I used to have 2 workers, now it's only one. The cost of living has gone up and even people cannot afford to buy more now. This is compared to pre-pandemic times. The low business performance has hindered my ability to even do fencing on my compound.