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
53010 KES ($394 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 don't have much to do because of my advanced age other than meet our basic needs. Therefore, for the coming years, I'll be focusing on growing maize to get enough food for my spouse and me. I also think the dairy cow I purchased with the transfer will calve soon. I'll sell the extra supply of milk to cover other essential expenses.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has done a fantastic job, in my opinion, by offering us limitless financial transfers. It has been really helpful to us. I can confidently say that we have made significant progress since GD came.
I haven't noticed anything that the organization is not doing well
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had already sold all the cattle I owned, so I had nothing to sell to cover the cost when my last-born son was due to return to school for his second semester. Since we received a relatively small harvest, the farming we employed as a source of revenue has not been successful. I spent £380 of the transfer on my child's school expenses. I quickly sent the funds into their school's bank account after receiving them. I also bought a dairy cow using the remaining amount of money to restart my dairy farming operation.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($443 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt so happy the moment I received money from GiveDirectly. It was around 4:00 pm that day and I was just relaxing at home when I heard my phone ring. Upon checking, I confirmed that indeed there was money in my account as earlier promised by GiveDirectly. I thought of buying food, tilled a piece of land that I owned and bought clothes for my family too. The amount of joy within us was just overwhelming considering that we were in dire need of the cash.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life since I started receiving this transfer is having paid school fees for my son. This to me was a great achievement because my son will not have to do odd casual jobs to raise extra money like he normally does to pay the fee. Having bought the food and other basic household needs was also so satisfying and something that I am proud of.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used $250 to pay school fees for my child who is currently doing his college studies and used the remaining amount to buy food, clothes, maize seeds and fertilizers for planting. I also prepared my farm using a tractor for planting. I am so grateful that for once I was able to pay school fees for my son in full and that he will not have to engage in odd casual jobs to earn make extra income that could support him. He will be able to concentrate on his studies fully and achieve the best results.My family is also very happy that we have enough food courtesy of GiveDirectly funds. The past couple of days before receiving this transfer was just hectic since we did not have enough money to make ends meet.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Receiving this money will boost me a great deal. When my 4 sons got married I gave out almost all the cows I had as dowry as per the Kipsigis culture. When a dowry is paid it signifies prosperity for the children and the families of the bride will bless their daughter and her generation, which explains the reason why all of them live harmoniously. I had wanted to add another dairy cow to my herd since the two that remained are old and have lost teeth and as a result, they cannot graze well. Their milk production has since gone down, it produces just 1 liter a day which is not enough for household consumption. I intend to use $450 to purchase a dairy cow and use the rest to pay school fees for my last-born son, Titus, who is at Mombasa college.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am full of happiness because of my children who heed my advice. I had told them not to engage in alcohol nor do harm to anyone but to become peacemakers. All my sons are married and they have been blessed with children. They visit me occasionally and I am happy to see my blessed generation. I am at peace and I thank God. Nothing beats peace of mind and togetherness. If they had indulged in alcohol possibly my health would have deteriorated for worse because of stress. Even if my time on earth comes to an end now I will rest knowing that I am leaving behind a united family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have been having ulcers that have become chronic and from time to time I have been going to Tenwek hospital for medication. It has given me problems, sometimes it is so bad that when I eat I constipate immediately. I had tried the traditional herbs but it has not been of much help. So bad is the situation that doctors have recommended that I avoid taking some food including my favorite fermented milk. I feel bad about it. I hope one day I will be healed and be able to regain my normal health status.
