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 ($317 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?
In the coming year and beyond, my main focus is on maximizing the potential of my land by intensively preparing it for mass maize production. I have been fortunate to receive free certified seeds from the Kenya seeds company through a valuable partnership. This collaboration has proven highly beneficial for farmers like me with pieces of land, as the company not only provides essential education but also supplies the seeds and guarantees a ready market for our produce. This opportunity serves as both a significant source of income and a means of ensuring an ample supply of food from the surplus yield, benefiting my family's well-being and financial stability. My goal is to fully capitalize on this partnership and enhance the productivity of my land to yield substantial maize harvests in the future.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly had done well in implementing a fair enrollment process that treats all individuals within the village boundaries equally, without discrimination. This approach empowers everyone to utilize the funds in a manner that aligns with their unique needs and priorities. We are genuinely appreciative of the support provided and the thorough execution of the project, which was carried out seamlessly from start to finish. The monetary support received was truly invaluable, making a significant difference in our lives. I hope GiveDirectly will continue with these initiatives, extending their support to other villages as well, as it has the potential to positively impact numerous communities in a similar manner.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving the second transfer, I used it to clear the pending debt of $200 for the motorcycle I had recently acquired. This enabled me to operate the motorcycle freely and enjoy its benefits fully, as I offer transport services to the community and commute between my farms in the nearby village. Additionally, I allocated part of the funds to renovate my existing house, which was originally constructed using wooden poles and frames. I replaced the damaged wooden parts with metallic bars, ensuring enhanced strength and durability for the house. The renovation expenses totaled $150, covering the replacement of dusty floors with cement. Utilizing leftover materials and additional purchases worth $50, I constructed a small kitchen. I spent the remaining $50 on buying foodstuff for my family of three, generously serving us for over a month as we worked on sourcing additional food supplies.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($346 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?
Despite the fact that I was raised in a challenging environment and never had the chance to attend school, I have dedicated my life to ensuring that my children have a brighter future. Thus, my objective for the upcoming year and beyond would be to maintain my wife's monthly payment and raise our standard of living. I intend to start farming and a goat-rearing project. I plan on saving at least $8k, in order to accomplish all of this. I am so pleased with what I have accomplished so far.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
We all received good treatment and respect since the onset of the program, as well as a chance to ask questions and we received thoughtful responses. The purpose of the program was made clear during the sensitization meetings. We had no fraud cases and thus the process was transparent. I've been pleased with the organization's services this far. We had no issues with unexpected outcomes.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receipt of receiving my transfer, I knew that it was the ideal time for me to purchase a motorcycle. This is because I use to ride a rental motorcycle that was unreliable. This is because the owner would demand payment even in challenging circumstances. As I ride boda boda for a living, my wife studies a secretarial course. We are blessed with one child. I already have $250 placed as a downpayment for the motorcycle, $100 to upgrade my ant-infested home, and $100 to purchase a smartphone to understand the digital age. I am happy my dream to own a motorcycle has been achieved.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($162 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The biggest difference in my daily life is the hope I have for my family's food security and a source of income from surplus farm produce sales. Spending $100 on farm inputs and land preparation has resulted in improved growth, so I am optimistic about a better harvest at the end of the season.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I received the first transfer from GiveDirectly around 4:11 p.m. after receiving a message notification that, while the source did not appear to be GiveDirectly, I could not confuse it with other money in my account. I also received confirmation from my friends at the nearby shopping center, who had received the same message. I informed my spouse that evening and picked up the entire transfer the next day when we needed it.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving my first transfer, I spent $65 on building materials in order to renovate the roof of my current home. I had been living there for three years, and the roof is currently weakened due to termite infestation. I also improved my farming by spending $100 on certified butternut seeds and planting them on an acre of land. Because my farm is adjacent to the county government's free irrigation resources, investing in farming as my primary source of income yields a higher return. In addition, I spent $1 on clothes and $12 on servicing the loan I had obtained after purchasing a motorcycle on credit. In addition, I used the remaining funds to buy food for my family of three.
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I dropped out of school due to lack of school fees and pursued farming for a living. Since I am forced to hire land in a different area, it is becoming expensive to do maize farming . I want to shift from being a producer to retailing farm produce because it will fetch high profits. My ambition is to open up a cereals business in Marigat town considering that we live in a semi-arid area , there is a high demand for food. It will cost me KES 180,000 to start up the business from hiring a shop space and purchasing stock. This will help me supliment my income at thesame time be able to clear school fees in arrears for my wife and daughter. I am delighted that the transfers from Givedirectly will change my life for the better.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have always dreamt of being self employed and this saw me purchase a motorcycle in the month of June. Even though I bought it on loan, it is a reliable source of income because it helps me meet the basic needs of my family without strain. It has also suplimented my income as before then,I used to solely rely on maize farming which could take six months before one could get the proceeds. This has brought happiness and a difference in my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
When my wife secured a scholarship with Cambridge college to study a certificate in Sectrarial studies in May, I was happy because our future would be better. Not being able to sustain her basic needs like rent, food and school levies while in school is a challenge. I operate a motorcycle business which I took on installment basis, I currently owe KES 200,000 and this gives me sleepless nights. Sometimes, I am unable to pay the loan because the daily income is unpredictable which makes me default payments. If I had a stable source of income my life would have been better.