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 ($535 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Before the transfers, I did not have any kind of livestock in my compound neither did I own any. I would have loved to have some but I could not. I just used to admire my neighbours' livestock. This is why I decided to buy at least two goats to start with as I work on getting more livestock. When these reproduce, I will have a number and use them to exchange for a cow and I will have fulfilled my dream. Without the transfers, I would not have managed to have my own livestock by now.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am glad that GD came to give us an education on the program before the census. I am very sure if there was no education then most of the villagers would have missed out on the program due to illiteracy and low understanding. The education we received before the transfers was very helpful. I am satisfied with everything.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my transfer on buying a solar which has been my dream in the last year. I always feel it is expensive to buy kerosene everyday especially when my children have to do their homework at night. Sometimes they would not finish their homework when they run out of kerosene. I also used part of the transfer to clear the fees arrears my children had in school so that they may not be sent home again for fees like they used to be sent home before the transfer. The rest I have saved to use in starting a small business which will be my source of income. I have not decided on the kind of business I want to have but I know when I will have made up my mind, I will start one.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($541 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
Receiving transfers from Give directly really changed my life. First, the transfers really assisted me in meeting my farming expenses with which I would have been forced to borrow someone. Secondly, I am now a proud owner of two dairy cows which has always been my dream and I am glad that it was made true by GiveDirectly. Soon, I will no longer incur much on purchasing milk for my household consumption and it will also be a source of income through the sale of surplus milk.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
When I received a message notification that my Mpesa account has been credited with Ksh. 55000 from GiveDirectly, I was overjoyed. I was now assured that my dream of owning livestock has come to pass.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent the money I received from GiveDirectly to purchase two dairy cows worth Ksh. 30,000, spent Ksh. 1500 on transport expenses, farming expenses Ksh. 18000 and spent the rest on foodstuff and other basic necessities for my household.
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have a huge piece of land and the problem as always been the means of cultivation. I haven't been able to fully utilize it because I depend on oxen for hire which many farmers within also depend on, so by the time I'm getting the service, am already late for planting and this has led to dismal yields year in year out. My biggest desire is to purchase a pair so that I can be able to timely cultivate and subsequently produce better yields. I believe this will lead to food security in my household and the surplus will be sold to the outside market thus earning an income. Apart from that, I plan to invest in the hotel business. This will earn me a daily income that can comfortably meet the needs of the family. I also intend to put some money in Merry-go-round as a way of saving and that is what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Morning is the happiest part of my day. Waking up in good health is always a blessing to me. It presents an opportunity to better my life and that of my children
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of capital to start a hotel business has been a hindrance to my dream of starting up one. My husband used to work, but his employment contract was untimely terminated when his boss died. And for many years since then, he hasn't been in a position to secure another opportunity. And for that reason, we have been living from hand to mouth. Receiving this money will unlock our potential as this will serve as our capital. Being unable to adequately provide for the family has been the biggest hardship in my life. However, with these transfers coming our way, I believe my family will never lack again.
