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 ($468 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I bought 10 pieces of iron sheets using my second transfer. I am planning to continue buying the remaining building materials in bits so that I can eventually build a house for children. My daughter has been sleeping at my brother's house and I am not comfortable with this arrangement since she at times has to sleep alone when my brother's wife and children are not around.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
People who did not have livestock before now own one or two, those whose houses were small and grass-thatched have been able to build spacious ones that are iron roofed. All these developments have been achieved within a short time because of GiveDirectly's good deeds.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My family consists of seven members. Two of my children are in secondary school level while the remaining three are still in primary. We basically buy everything in the house except firewood and milk at times. I depend on any available casual work while my wife looks after our dairy cow and tends to our kitchen garden. When I received the second transfer, I spent KES 20000 on food so that I would be relieved of the stress of waking up so early in the morning to go and look for work. Also, I hired a tractor for land preparation and bought quality hybrid maize seeds using KES 8000, and bought two goats at KES 4000 each as an investment that I can rely on in case of financial constraints. In addition to these, I bought 10 pieces of iron sheets at KES 8000 that I am planning to use in building a house for our children, paid a deposit of KES 6000 for a D-light lamp that I bought on higher purchase terms, and used KES 10000 to repay a microfinance loan that I had taken when my children had been sent back home.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($496 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
After working throughout the night shift, I was planning to go to bed so that I can at least rest, that was when I heard my phone ringing, upon checking I saw a Mpesa message showing that I had received KES 55,000 from GiveDirectly.I was so happy and overwhelmed with joy, I knew that I would be able to pay for the school balances that was yet to be cleared, I am grateful for the support that changed my life.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My children are all in school now, unlike before where they would still be idling at home, many times I have been forced to sell some of our properties so that I could pay for their tuition fees, things are different today because I was able to settle all the fees arrears right on time courtesy of GiveDirectly.I am grateful for the support that lifted our lives amazingly well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I work as a security guard in a nearby school, I am a father of 11 children. The biggest challenge that I am facing is lack of funds to pay fees for my four school-going children, this is because the income that I earn is not enough to cater for their fees, therefore I used KES 50,000 in clearing the school fees arrears, lastly I used the remaining part of the transfer in buying utensils and a Plough. I am so happy that the support I got gave me peace of mind by lifting the burden off my shoulders.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have children in various secondary and primary schools and all I want for them is quality grades that can allow them to join university to pursue good courses. When the cash transfer, I use KES20000 to pay school fees for my children this will give them ample time in schools to study. I am confident with minimal interruption they will attain good grades. In addition, I will use another KES26000 to buy a dairy cow. This will be an added asset to my family and I will enjoy a higher milk production for both household use and sales to earn an extra income. To make my children happy and safe, I will use KES25000 to build a two room, iron-roofed house just next to mine. Twill ensure the better comfort, space for their private studies, and good security. I wish to spend the remaining amount mainly on my family,y food, clothing and household items.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Having my family around is always the best thing to me that I look forward to every minute of my life. The happiest part of my day is in the evening since this is the time I enjoy the little we have together as we exchange our day experience and plan for our next day events.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of resources is the biggest hardship I have ever faced my life. Fours years ago, my eldest son joined form one just in a nearby school and raising his fee was an uphill task that we couldn't make. I was forced to travel to Nairobi where I worked as a night watchman to raise his fee.
