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
55000 KES ($533 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?
Personally, my life has really taken a new direction. Before I lived in a semi-permanent house since I lacked enough resources to construct a permanent house but that has changed. I now live in a permanent house, I have paid my wife's dowry and together with my brother we own a motorcycle that generates income on a daily basis. To me, it has been a life-changing moment.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I think GD has really caused a transformation in my village. Most of the children who were home are now attending schools. Businesses have increased and there is more joy and people's faces are brighter than before. I can say there has been a transformation.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
When I received my second transfer, I bought Iron sheets to help me finish building my house. This has been a dream, to live in a permanent house. I also combined some amount with my blood brother and bought a motorcycle that is being used as a taxi to generate income. The remaining amount I spent to pay the bridal price for my wife.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($538 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
Since I already paid my wife's dowry, I feel so proud and happy because our family is now stable because there are no minor quarrels and conflicts in the family which were mainly as a result of failure to pay dowry. and I believe the family will be more stable because I have already This is the biggest difference in my daily life.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had taken my phone to my mum's house the previous day for charging. The following morning when I switched it on after picking it from my mum's place I was amazed to be welcomed with a confirmation message that I had received money from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy and couldn't wait any longer. I immediately hurried to Mpesa agent in the nearby center and withdrew the money.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
Previously I didn't have proper bedding except for some worn out bedding that was not healthy and comfortable sleeping on. The moment I received the money I used a portion of it to purchase bedding. I'm happy I can afford a comfortable sleep. In addition to that, I was in constant conflicts with my in-laws because I hadn't paid my wife's dowry. This couldn't allow us to have peace in the family and it also lowered my self-esteem, so a portion of the money I used to purchase cows which I have used to pay for my wife's dowry. I also leased a farm where I'm planning to plant both maize and beans for family consumption hoping for a good harvest that will last us for a whole year thus I'll be sure food security.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means my marriage is going to be strengthened. I plan to pay dowry to my parents in law.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when looking after cattle. I enjoy herding very much.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I am facing currently is lack of stable source of income to cater for my family's needs like food, shelter and education. I just have to live in this grass thatched house because I can not afford to build a tin roof house.
