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?
Right now, I intend to focus on dairy and poultry farming. This will not only help reduce household expenditures but will also be a source of income.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does everything well because so far no one is complaining in our village. Also personally, I was happy because all eligible recipients received their transfers.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a mason and a father of one. I was allotted an acre of land by my father but this was not enough to do crop and dairy farming at the same time. Due to this, for the past seven years, I desired to get an additional piece of land majorly for crop farming but couldn't afford it.
This is because, from my masonry job, I get KES 700 on a good day but the job is quite unreliable because we do it based on its availability. I normally save KES 500 from these in a merry-go-round after every two weeks. Lucky enough, when the second GiveDirectly came I used KES 41,000 on the purchase of one and a half points of land. This will ensure the availability of adequate food for my family soon.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($495 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I spend most of my days doing casual labour to earn a living. On this particular day, I was going about my normal duties when I received a message notification at 9 a.m. I was so happy when I realised I had received KES 55,000 because my job is very demanding but pays very little.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since receiving this transfer, I've been able to make considerable progress in my life. As a casual labourer, it's hard for me to find work. On the days that I do, I earn KES 700 a day, only. This amount is not enough to cater for all my living expenses.
So I was happy to receive the cash transfer from GD. Since then, I have been able to buy furniture such as a bed, which I didn't have before and had to sleep on the floor. I have also bought a cow that I can sell whenever financial emergencies arise. I am also looking around for a piece of land I can buy, and I couldn't be more grateful.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I decided to spend KES 10,000 on buying a cow, that I plan to sell whenever I need money. Additionally, I spent KES 15,000 on buying furniture, including chairs, tables and a bed, since I didn't have any. As a casual labourer, I do not earn enough money to be able to do that. I am glad that I no longer sleep on the floor, which was so uncomfortable. I saved the remaining amount as I identify the piece of land I would like to purchase, once I receive the second transfer.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
When i get this money I want to buy a heifer. Usually my mother gives us milk for our household use but since I am now independent I need to provide for my family. My area is prone to draught, so i need an ordinary cow who can survive with this weather conditions. A good heifer cost around 300-350 dollars. I also need to buy a water tank. We get water from the river far from my household. This water is not even safe for drinking. A water tank of 2300 litres will go a long way. This will cost me around 1700 dollars. The rest of the money we use to for household needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning. This is the time i wake up feeling energized to start work. I do casual jobs. So in the morning when i wake up feeling strong makes me happy since i will be able to work and get money to feed my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship is hunger, weather in our area is unpredictable. We used to depend on maize but nowadays it has been affected by diseases. Most of the time its dry thus making other crop wither due to lack of enough water.
