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 ($485 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I spent part of the money I received from GiveDirectly on purchasing public address systems. This was always my dream. Before this I was employed by a friend who had his public address system. I used to work for him daily. The payment was so small and cannot meet all the basic needs of my family. I had no extra money to saved so that I can purchase mine. I used to struggle so much, wake up very early in the morning and back home late. This was so tiresome and I had no time to bond with my family. When I received the second transfer I purchased all the public address system. Currently I have my system and I run this business myself. I rent out to people who has functions ata cost of KES 2,500 .I am able to generate income to meet other basic household needs including paying school fees for my children. I have also started savings which was not possible before. I am so happy because this was my dream. My plans now is to buy another system so that I can employ someone to run it for me.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion GiveDirectly does well by giving money to the poor in the community to build better houses and to buy dairy cows. I do not find anything that GiveDirectly did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of the money I received from GiveDirectly on purchasing public address systems. This was always my dream. Before this I was employed by a friend who had his public address system. I build a better house for my family. This is so spacious and can host all my family members comfortably. I bought a heifer. I found this as an investment since I will be able to get enough milk for my family and also sell the extra milk to earn an income. I am so grateful for the support because GiveDirectly has changed our living standard.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 USD)
access_time almost 4 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home trying to clean my compound on 17th December at 2pm with my children . I heard neighbours mention that transfers had arrived. That was when I took out my phone to check if I had also received the transfer an yes it was true. I was very excited and I prepared immediately to go collect the transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I used to live in a very small house but thanks to GiveDirectly I now have a bigger house. I also used to have a business where we rented out Public Address systems at events and some of the instruments belonged to a friend. I therefore decided to buy my own equipment and whenever there is an event, I get to benefit fully unlike before when we shared the money.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I built a bigger house since the one I used to live in was smaller. I also bought a public address system since the one I had was co-owned with a friend.
Enrolled
access_time almost 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I offer PA (Public Address) system services and equipment at a fee to interested parties within my locality. Precisely, I rely on the same to earn a living. However, I am currently attaining relatively low income since I have to share whatever I attain with members of a group that we all co-own the equipment. Hence, receiving this money means that my family shall be earning more revenue from the same project because I will purchase all the necessary equipment, and operate independently.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the afternoon when we are taking a rest and chatting with my two young kids. As a father, this is the moment that I feel much bonded and closed to my kids.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I would desire to do crop farming but the adverse climatic conditions we are experiencing attract negative impacts. Precisely, the unfavorable climatic conditions in our area act as the toughest challenge I have faced because they deter me from venturing into my dream project. Whenever I engage in crop farming, I usually realize poor yields and even losses that are very demoralizing.
