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 ($440 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?
Even though I don't have ready money at the moment, I have a new goal to venture into poultry farming. I had been planning with my nephew, who wanted to help with the starting capital, but my role in constructing a chicken coop before receiving his funding is still holding me back. I am looking for the poles and the chain link that will facilitate the construction of circumference walls. This project will help a great deal in egg production. I will sell alongside the offspring to pay school fees and settle household bills.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly played great in our success after spending the transfer we received. We received comprehensive education before enrollment that ensured the safety of our money and also help in making informed decisions once we receive the money. I am happy that no one complained throughout the process but grateful to GiveDirectly for the generous support.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I completed the construction of a new house that I had started with the first transfer right after receiving the last transfer. I had a lot to fit on the walls, doors, windows, and also ceiling boards before buying a new piece of furniture. From the second transfer, I spent KES 38000 on making all the purchases and payment of the labor charges that completed the construction. It was a relief for me to put up a new structure that I moved in within a very short time with my family of four. I also connected the piped water after buying new pipes to convey the water from the source pipe installed by the country government to my doorstep. After spending KES 11000 to complete the entire plumbing work, I am glad that I am currently enjoying the use of tap water both for my livestock and for my household's consumption. I spent the remaining amount on buying new pairs of clothes for my children and a pair of shoes to replace the old ones I have been wearing.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($470 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was 5 pm and I was at the farm with my neighbor ploughing when suddenly my phone rang hence notifying me of a new message. I immediately checked it since I had been eagerly waiting for an SMS indicating that I had received the transfers. My neighbor who was me had already received hers. I was so happy when I opened the SMS and I read that I had also received the KES 55000 that GiveDirectly had promised us. I thank God for the blessing since I now knew that I was going to be able to fulfill the plans that I had already made.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The transfer has brought a big difference in my life and that of my family. I am happy that I was able to finally fulfill my dream of building another decent house for my family. The new house will be the main house and the other old house will be the kitchen.
Guests visiting my household will be able to have somewhere where they can stay when they come visiting. I am also glad that I was able to till my land and plant something I never thought I would be able to do soon since I didn't have the money. My family's standard of living has been uplifted and we are no longer in a bad shape like before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before I received my recent transfer, I had already made plans of building another decent house for my family. We moved to the village with my children two years ago after being evicted from Mau forest. I didn't have much money at the moment, so I only managed to build a small house that we have been living in. I have, however, for a long time been hoping to build another house but I didn't have the big sum of money that is needed to do so. So when GiveDirectly came up with this program in our village, I saw the opportunity to finally fulfill my wish. I managed to buy building materials, that is, iron sheets, trees, and nails, which I spent a total of KES 34200 on them. The construction is still ongoing but I am hoping that I will be able to finish it soon. Other than the above, I also bought clothes for my children, paid part of their school fees, and did farming with the rest of the remaining amount. I tilled the land, bought bean seeds and fertilizer, and planted them. I am happy and so much grateful to GiveDirectly for their support.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
We were evicted from Mau forest in the year 2019, this left us homeless. I was forced to put up a simple house at home to shelter us. Things now are never the same, I struggle a lot put food on the table. This is after my husband passed making me the only family breadwinner. With this money, I will plan KES 40,000 to build a better house for my household. To have a stable income for the family I will invest KES 20,000 into poultry farming. This will make me tap more income for the family and avoid financial struggles. I will now have peace of mind and divert my energy toward developing my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Regardless of the challenges and struggles that I am going through. I can put food on the table for my family with the KES 200 I earn from my business of making and selling porridge. This makes me feel happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Being an evictee I do not have land to do farming activities. This makes me rely on buying food for the family which is expensive for us. With my business, I earn about KES 200 daily. This money is not sufficient for us making my life stressful and difficult.