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 ($529 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different than it would have been if I never received the transfer in that, I have bought a cow and seven goats. I am enthusiastic about a planned and better future for my children and myself in an account of emergencies such as school fees or medical attention with the profits that I will get from animal rearing. I have also started a small business of hawking half cakes which earns me enough to cater to my basic family needs. I no longer live a life of hand to mouth with a lot of debts unlike before. I can remember countless times when I had to resort to burning and selling charcoal to earn a living. I thank GiveDirectly for uplifting my living standards.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion , GiveDirectly did very well in its operations through giving my village unconditional cash transfers as a result most of the beneficiaries have acquired what they lacked before such as building new house , investing on business and buying livestock .
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent the larger part of my second transfer to boost my small retail business . Therefore, I am able to take care of my family's needs with a lot of ease. I bought a dairy cow and three goats. I paid school fees for my four children who are in primary. I have saved the remaining amount since I intend to boost my daughter's tailoring business.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($541 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that my business has now expanded and now earn more profits from it to sustain my daily needs. Besides, my daughter is now earning some income from her tailoring business. I believe as time goes by, her business will be more established to the extent of creating employment for others. My children also now sleep comfortably because of the new mattress. they no longer complain of backache and the new mattress is also easy to maintain it clean.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was some minutes past 5 am when I received a message that some money has been credited into my Mpesa account from GiveDirectly. I was very happy to the extent that I couldn't no longer sleep. I immediately woke up contacted my spouse who was equally overjoyed. I was now convinced that I will now acquire what I had longed for.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent the money I received from Give Directly to purchase a sewing machine Ksh. 9500 for my daughter who had already trained, one dairy cow worth Ksh.17000 and a mattress for my children costing Ksh. 4000. I further spent the remaining amount to improve my hotel business and also bought some maize flour for sale in my cereal shop
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I used to own a shop business in my village but I closed down because the owner reclaimed his premises. Since then I have not been able to revive it because I do not have enough capital. I therefore plan to reopen my business using this transfer since I have enough experience to run. This will supplement our family's income and reduce the dependence on my husband. I will also purchase a sewing machine for my niece so that she can be able to have her own income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am mostly happy in the evening when my children are back from school. This is the time we get to bond as I advise them to work hard in their studies.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband is the sole breadwinner and he cannot comfortably sustain us. On a good month he supports us with 5000 shillings. This amount is supposed to cater for all our needs but it is not enough. My children are often sent home because of constant fee arrears. This affects their performance because they cannot fully attend the classes. All this is happening as a result of financial hardship.
