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 ($423 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The best thing GiveDirectly gave us was the ability to choose how we would use our transfers. My community has been transformed and strengthened. In that the children are comfortably studying in their respective schools, people have built new houses, and many other good things have been done, I have not seen anything done poorly during my interactions with the GiveDirectly staff.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I see the need for me to have a steady source of income in order to secure the future of my children. As a result, my dream is to be able to start a goat-rearing project that will allow me to educate my children. I intend to accomplish this goal by saving the money I earn from the farm. All will be accomplished, I believe, with determination and discipline.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a subsistence farmer who is married and has seven children. After receiving my initial transfer, I considered purchasing a dairy cow to reduce the cost of purchasing milk on a daily basis. As a result, I spent $310 on a healthier dairy cow. I was unable to purchase one previously due to financial constraints, as my source of income is not consistent. I then applied In addition, I used the remaining funds to finish my house, which had previously been left half-finished due to a lack of funds. I am relieved and grateful for the significant accomplishment I accomplished in such a short period of time.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($465 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt so much happy the moment I received money from GiveDirectly. It was around 3:00 pm and I was at home with my other family members. I broke into song and dance once I confirmed that I had indeed received money from GiveDirectly. I could not imagine that I would really receive the money as promised from GiveDirectly and this was like a dream come through for me.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the investments that I have made. Having paid school fees with the money and the fact that I have also been able to raise enough money to buy sand and other building materials has made me more independent financially. I feel so much happy to have received the money from GiveDirectly and for the fulfillment that has come with it.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used KES 35000 to pay school fees for my children and used the remaining amount to buy goats for keeping and and sand for building a house. The money came at a time that I was really looking for a financial breakthrough in my life so that I would be able to pay school fees for my children and I felt so much happy to receive the money.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have two children who completed their primary school studies and are set to join secondary school in May. Their results are out and my biggest worry has been how I will get them through their studies. My dream of educating my children beyond primary school can now be a reality because I plan to use 25,000 KES for their admission and tuition fees. I will also invest in goat farming so that it can facilitate their studies in the years to come. I will start with 4 goats which I have approximated to cost 15,000 KES.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My two children received their results of the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education this week. I am a proud and happy father since I will be sending my children to secondary school for the first time; thanks to Give Directly and the results they posted. My first three children did not have that chance due to financial challenges and early marriages.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of income has forced my wife out to in search of employment in town. I have my 4 children here at home and I have to play the role of both parents because I have no option. She works as a house maid and comes home at the end of the month for just a few days. I sell charcoal back at home to supplement the little that my wife brings in. It is really tough satisfying the many needs of the family.
