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 ($521 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
GiveDirectly's transfers empowered me to purchase a motorcycle to operate as a boda-boda which my husband rides . Three years after my spouse lost his driving job . It has always been hard for us to meet end meat easily because the income we earned was reliant on casual jobs that was too little to barely cater for our family's needs. I bought a motorcycle for him that is now helping us to keep our family running as it is a promising source of income. Its nice to see the happy side of my husband once again . All thanks to GiveDirectly because I this I would have not achieved had did not for GiveDirectly.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion GiveDirectly did well by giving money without conditions on how to spent it hence the finances empowered my community. Evidently, I have been able to start a bodaboda business for my husband which I am happy about. I do not see anything that GiveDircetly didn't do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my second transfer to buy a second hand motorcycle purposely for bodaboda business. I have saved 13,000 KES for any future forth coming emergencies in this business . Before the biggest hardship was the meager income we got from manual works which would barely sustain us. I am very excited to have started this business for my husband since I anticipate an increment in our household income because it is a lucrative and marketable business around our area.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($542 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I have practised livestock keeping as a casual labourer in my neighbour's farm for long. I am happy that this gave me knowledge of livestock farming as well as earning a living. I built the desire of starting livestock farming but couldn't due to limited resources. When I received my first transfer, I purchased two cows and six goats through cash transfer. I am glad that my desires have been met since I have added animals to my cowshed. Had it not been for the financial help from GiveDirectly, then it would have taken many years to acquire them. I will be selling them in case of a financial emergency as well as raising more money to finance my children's education through milk sales.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was my helper who came to notify me of a Mpesa message on my phone at daybreak. When I asked who could have sent the money, I realized it came from GiveDirectly. I felt happy and thanked GiveDirectly for the financial support.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent KES 48000 to buy two cows and six goats. Having this herd to me is saving for meeting future family needs. I have my children who are still in lower levels of education and I am expecting to educate them using these animals offsprings and their products. Besides, I will also be getting milk from the cows for my family consumption and surplus for sale to earn extra income. I am also planning to start a business of buying and selling charcoal in the city with the remaining amount. This will be an income-generating activity for us to enhance our unstable sources of income.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Since we don't have any stable source of income, our biggest priority is to start a business that can generate an income for the family. To achieve this, we intend to put up a charcoal selling store in Mombasa and will be sourcing ready charcoal from the villages. While my husband will be operating it in Mombasa, I will be his point person in the village to ensure the smooth operation of the business. I will also put up a grocery stall within the village. This will be keeping me busy while at the same time generate an additional income for the family. I believe this will boost our self-esteem and subsequently led to a healthier and happy family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of the day, it is that moment when I get time to rest. Despite my poor state of health, my day usually entails doing household chores and engaging in farm work and by the time the day is ending, I am already exhausted. Having some quality rest after dinner gives me joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband and I were confirmed HIV positive 13 years ago, and the stigma that we've had to endure for all these years is imaginable. With no stable source of income, that has subsequently led to poor nutrition due to lack of finances to maintain a healthy diet, fighting the virus has been an uphill task. With the daily medication, sometimes engaging in any meaning work is difficult and that has led to the continued financial constraint. We struggle a lot to feed and keep our children in school and that is the biggest hardship in our lives.