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 ($502 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?
My life is currently different because I have been able to build a decent and iron-roofed house to live with my family. I couldn't afford to buy the materials at my own cost and for sure had it not been the financial support from GiveDirectly, I would still be living in my old grass-thatched hut.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Before the coming of GiveDirectly to us, we were facing financial hardships such as inability to access good shelter and challenges to even provide for our families. However, our lives are currently different since we have decent iron-roofed houses and also some livestock as assets, which in my opinion is what GiveDirectly has done well. I do not see anything that GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I had begun construction of a new house using the first transfer but it came to a halt because the building materials were not enough. When I received my second transfer, I spent it on purchasing the remaining building materials and finished my new house. I am happy that I moved into the new house. I also bought an ox plough to use with my pair of oxen in ploughing my farm. I spent the remaining amount to buy foodstuffs and clothing for my family as well as paying for some other household expenses.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($543 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now have my own house which I never imagined I would own anytime soon. It is still unbelievable to me. Previously, my house was very small and in a very poor condition. One could not imagine there were people staying in such a house. My children and I never had peace especially during winter seasons because we could be rained on most of the time. Secondly there was no privacy in my house since the house was single roomed and very small and my family was big. But currently I have a four roomed housed which is specious enough and my children can now do their assignments without any problem unlike before where they used to do their assignments at my neighbors place which was stressing them and affecting their academic performance.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received the recent transfer I was so happy. It was around 8 am when I saw the Mpesa message. I was on my way to the dam to fetch water so I decided to go back home and celebrate with my family because to me it was like a miracle. It was my first time receiving such a huge amount of money.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer on buying 21 pieces iron sheets for constructing my house. My house was small and in a very poor condition. Whenever it rained, I could be rained on, the cold weather it was really hectic. Most of the time my children were always sick because of the cold weather since sheltering was a problem. But I thank God I now have my own big house thus sheltering is not a problem. Secondly I spent my first transfer on buying enough foodstuffs which was also a big problem to me because sometimes my children and I could have a single meal or sometimes go without. But I thank God now there is sufficient food at home and all the basic needs.I spent the remaining amount on paying school fees for my children since sometimes they could be sent home for fees arrears. I decided to clear their school fees for a full academic year.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I was forced to get married as a second wife in order to bring home a dowry for my parents to educate my young brother who was to join secondary school. This made my life so difficult because my husband is just a peasant farmer and has no reliable source of income to support our family needs. I am forced to burn charcoal in order to get a meal and when I heard about GiveDirectly, I knew my life would change for the better. Receiving this money means meeting my family needs. I will construct an iron roofed house for myself because the one I have is a grass thatched and is leaking. Since I already have an oxen, I will buy an ox plough to help upscaling my farming and use the remaining amount to start vending vegetables at Goshi center. The income from this business will help in paying school fee for my children and sustain other family needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I spend the better part of my day herding animals and when I am back home, I am still forced to go and sell my charcoal in order to get my dinner. This makes me feel so weak and tired. It is only in the evening when I relax and so, this is my happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Getting daily meals is a big challenge in our family. After spending half of my day herding, I am still forced to find means of getting our dinner. When I am back home, I take my charcoal and walk to the nearby town called Bamba in order to find my customer. This is the only way i get food for my family and therefore, lack of reliable source of income is my biggest hardship.
