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 ($467 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am planning to start a posho mill project which will be a source of income for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does everything well. This is because in my village the living standards of people have improved. For example, those who couldn't afford school fees have now cleared with the GiveDirectly transfers. Those who had old and worn grass-thatched houses have also built decent Iron roofed houses with the transfers.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I built a large semi-permanent house in 2005. And for a long time, I desired to upgrade it to modern standards but this was not possible. This is because I am a retired teacher and currently I have five kids in college who solely depend on me for school fees.
Therefore, recently when Give directly came I saw this as an opportunity to modernize it. I used KES 60,000 part from my first and second transfers on the building of extra rooms and purchase the tiling materials and tiling it.
In addition, I also spent KES 15,000 on a heifer as a long-term source of income for my family. This is because after my retirement I majorly focus on dairy, maize, and sweet potatoes farming.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($486 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my transfer, I was preparing to step out to the nearby shopping centre when I heard my phone ringing and vibrating loudly, Upon checking I saw a Mpesa notification message showing that I had received money from GiveDirectly, I was overwhelmed with joy and happiness, I knew that I would be able to deposit a down payment for the posho-mill machine that I had booked earlier, I am grateful to have received the support from GiveDirectly.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My life is different now, this is because I am a retired teacher and the transfer came at a very crucial time in my life when I needed to have a business that can generate an income for my family, I am getting closer to realizing my dream of owning a posho mill because I was able to deposit part of the transfer as a deposit, I am hoping that when I receive my second transfer I would be able to clear the remaining amount, I am so happy and grateful for the support that opened new opportunities in life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a retired teacher and currently a consistent farmer in the village, For a long time now I have been planning to buy a posho-mill machine but I was unable to realize the dream due to financial constraints, therefore, I decided to use my first transfer in paying a deposit worth KES 20,000 I also used KES 15000 in purchasing a dairy cow, Lastly, I bought foodstuffs and saved up some money. I am humbled and happy that I was able to accomplish so much within a short period, The support that I got from GiveDirectly lifted my life to a higher level and I am thankful for it,
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
As we approach our old age, I am foreseeing a situation where we shall be unable to cater to our needs. This transfer will enable us to purchase a maize milling machine which will ensure that we continuously get income to meet our essential needs such as food and clothing. This business does well because most of the community members depend on maize as their staple food. I will also stock cereals such as maize, millet, sorghum, and beans. Receiving this money will help me start a business that will finally make me financially reliant.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Reduction in family conflicts among my children especially my sons and their wives has given me joy. One of my sons has been a drunkard and even separated from his spouse in the past few years. But at the beginning of this year, I became happy because they have united and even supported us too. They have given us financial support in building this house which is due for completion. The presence of peace and happiness in their families has therefore fostered my joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The main challenge that I am currently facing is lack of food security. This started two months ago after an unknown disease attacked my only cow leading to its death. The cow died when it was six months expectant and this became a big loss to me because I was anticipating additional livestock to the single one I had. Since then we have started buying milk to meet our dietary needs. We buy 3 liters of milk for KES 105 a day. This has affected my plans of putting up a zero-grazing unit because I have to spend most of the income that I would have rather saved on the purchase of milk.
