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 ($461 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?
After utilizing the second transfer, I developed a completion goal for the project I started. If I get some money, I aim to finalize the roofing of my rental house project that I was unable to do using the second transfer. I only managed to do the blockwork and bought a few insufficient roofing materials, thus I am struggling to get some money to accomplish my project
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly is an empowering organization. I am saying so because it empowered me to get a plot using the first transfer, something that I saw as impossible. It also empowered me to start a new business of building rental houses using the second transfer and I am sure very soon I will be having a stable source of an income-generating project. This could not take place if it were not for GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon withdrawing the second transfer, the first thing I did was buy a modern bed and a mattress for KES 9350.00. I bought these because the one I had was the traditional one, yet very small and not in good condition. Thereafter I opted to start a new business of a rental house. I constructed the house on a plot that I bought using the first transfer to build the business houses. I thought of this business because it is a long-term income-generating business.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($486 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
While in the field at around 9am cutting some logs to prepare charcoals for sale, I received a message in my phone. I didn’t bother to know what the message was all about since I do not know how to read, thus preceded with my work till noon when I returned home. On reaching home, I asked my son to check what the message was all about. This was the best news I have ever received. I felt an unconditional happiness that is hard to express it, but I was very much excited.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference that I can be proud of is the 2 acre piece of land. Initially I used to do farming at the same place year in year out. Currently the land is no longer productive, so with the plot that I bought using GiveDirectly, I will be having a good place to do my farming
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Being a mother of five children who are school going, I saw it prudent to settle the fees issue so that they can concentrate on their studies. In that regard, I took KES 10000.00 and paid school fees for the secondary school and KES 1500.00 for the primary school. Thereafter, I bought 2 acres of land for agricultural purpose. Having an aim of constructing a permanent house, I bought 2 trips of blocks. Having settled those, I bought some food stuff for the family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My first born is in form two in a day school in our village. Most of the time this child is sent home for school fees. This child is my only hope for my family that when he finishes, he will get a job. The school needs 39,000KES per year. Therefore, I plan to use this assistance to pay for my child school fees and use my charcoal business income to cater for my other needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In July my son who was in form one was sent home for school fees. I had no where to go or find the 15,000KES fees balance. So I went to our savings sacco and applied for a loan but because I had little savings I never thought I could be granted the loan. To my surprise, the members understood my situation and given the loan. I was able to take my child back to school and that's really gave great joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity. As a family we entirely depend on the charcoal business to get food since there has been no rains for the last three years. Currently, my husband is experiencing deep back pain. This condition has disabled him to an extent of not be able to provide for his family. This situation has left me with the burden of taking care of him and the children. The 2500 KES I get from selling charcoal has never been enough to sustain our family needs.
