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.
Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($492 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The arrival of GiveDirectly with the free cash transfer in our village has really brought a great difference in my household that I would not have made if I had not received the aid. I managed to obtain a cow, constructed a house, and also equipped my new house with all that was lacking before. I am really grateful that I was part of the change that came after the transfers and will forever be thankful and praying hard for GiveiDrectly as they keep doing great work in other villages.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, all that GiveDirecvtly did in our village was great. After the meeting that was held to enlighten us on the program's knowledge, enrollment was done fairly. Everyone was satisfied with the process as no one was left out at all. On receiving it, we were not limited in expenses as we were given the freedom to choose how best we can use the money for our own good. Currently, there is much improvement in every household as others invested in livestock and construction, while others used in paying school fees for their kids.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving my second transfer, I spent the first 33000KES on livestock purchases. I had been buying milk from my neighbor if not a liter from my parents who had been sharing it after I moved to my own house. This has never been enough for my family of five and on getting the transfer, I decided to buy a good breed of cow currently lactating. I spent the remaining amount on buying household foodstuff and the remaining on sorting other household bills.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received the cash to my mobile money account, I felt so happy and thankful. I had never received such amount before and I couldn't wait to go and collect from the agent shop so that I would plan for it at hand.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Having built a new house which has a roof made of ironsheets is the biggest difference in my daily life. Before, I couldn't imagine that I would built one like that which I have now as I would prioritize on food and other neccesities. I can say that our standard of living has tremendously changed from grass to grace.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before, we were living in two small grass touched houses which were having leaking roofs. These were not good to live in mostly during rainy season as we would be rained on. When I got my first disbursement from GiveDirectly, I spent a total of KES 35000 on buying building materials and paying labour for house construction. Now we got two roomed house with ironed roof. I couldn't imagine that we would build one anytime soon. I thank GiveDirectly for making it happen now. I then spent KES 6000 on buying furniture for the new house. Now we have no ed in and living happily with my family.
The remaining amount, I spent KES 3500 on buying a sack of maize for consumption and the remaining KES 8000 on buying clothes for myself, spouse and my children.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money mean a healthy family and increased source of income. We have been struggling to make ends meet but Give Directly's entry into this region is a sigh of relief. Getting milk for domestic use is hard to come by since we get 1.5 litres from our parents which is hardly enough to cater for a family of 5. Our ambition therefore, is to purchase a dairy a cow of approximately Ksh 40,000 and our projection is to milk 8 litres a day. Out of this, we will use 3 litres for home consumption and sell the surplus 5 litres at Ksh 50. This will be a stepping stone to a bright future for me and my household.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my is in the evening. This is because I spend most of my entire day working in construction site within and outside the village. Getting my hard earned cash brings a smile in my heart since I know I have fulfilled my duties as a caring parent.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial inadequacy has been the biggest hardship we have faced in life. I am engaged in house construction and I get a wage of approximately Ksh 400 a day which is barely enough to cater for both domestic and pay School fees for my two School going children. Our future plan is to venture into lucrative business such as livestock rearing in order to boost our source of earnings.
