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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3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($320 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
For the coming years and beyond, my plan is to expand my investment in goats, as this venture does well in arid areas like Baringo. To achieve this, I am having a savings strategy where I am setting aside at least $3 daily from the income I earn through my motorcycle riding business. By consistently saving a portion of my earnings, I will gradually accumulate the necessary funds to buy more goats.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GD has done well sending us the transfers directly to our Mpesa accounts. This method ensures that the transfers reach the intended recipients without any intermediaries or local leaders involved reducing the risk of misallocation or delays in receiving the funds.
I have not seen anything that the organization should improve.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $350 from the transfer to construct an additional room in my house. Previously, I had only one room serving as both a living room and a bedroom, which was uncomfortable and embarrassing, particularly when hosting visitors. The new room provides much-needed privacy and improves the overall living conditions of my home. With the remaining $100, I purchased food to sustain that will sustain me for an extended period, considering the uncertainty of my motorcycle riding business, which can be unreliable at times.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($338 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am filled with hope and excitement as I plan to start a new chicken-selling business using the newly acquired motorcycle in the coming year. My goal is to buy chicken from local farmers at a fair price and supply it wholesale to a stationed buyer in the nearby shopping center, Marigat. With the help of the motorcycle, I aim to make at least three trips a week, ensuring a steady supply of chicken to the buyer. I believe that this business venture has great potential as there is a high demand for chicken in the area, and the lack of a steady supply has resulted in high prices. By providing a consistent supply, I hope to establish myself as a reliable and trusted supplier and grow my business over time. This venture holds a lot of promise for me and my family in the future, and I am excited to see where it will take us.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly kept all their promises that they made to us during the community gathering and enrollment, which was reassuring. From the beginning, I was eager to learn more about the program and was encouraged to hear that the entire village would be supported. Although no one was compelled to participate in the program, the officers communicated the requirements clearly, making it easy for us to understand. We were later given the freedom to use the money as we saw fit. I am appreciative of the assistance we received and believe that other villages would benefit from this program's extension.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The $450 transfer that I received from GiveDirectly proved to be a significant turning point in my life. With this money, I was able to purchase a secondhand motorcycle from a friend for $480 after topping up with the savings I had, which I intended to use as a means of transportation for my upcoming chicken buying and selling business. The motorcycle was in excellent condition, and I knew that it would serve me well in my new venture. However, before starting the business, I decided to use the motorcycle as a taxi to generate some income to sustain myself. I have consistently earned a daily profit of at least $3, which is sufficient for my personal expenses since I am still living alone. The motorcycle proved to be a reliable and efficient mode of transportation, allowing me to make more trips in less time and earn more money. The purchase of this motorcycle was a wise investment, and I hope will open up new opportunities for me in the future.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($161 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was busy at home doing my house chores when I received my cash transfers. I was engaged when I suddenly heard my phone buzz with a text message. I checked to find a text message from Segovia Technologies alerting me that I had received $200 from GiveDirectly. I was super excited and overjoyed by the news. I knew instantly I'll get to fulfil my goals.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my day-to-day life has been the opportunity given to me by GiveDirectly to change my living standards. I was able to paint my house in a short period of time. This has brought immense joy to me and changed my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I was promised that I would receive some cash, I knew I'd be able to expand my house in readiness for my future wife. I solely depend on farming and casual jobs to earn a living. I've been single and truthful to God to provide me with a good wife. Upon receipt of the transfer, I allocated $135 to buy iron sheets to aid in expanding the house. I also allocated $12 for the purchase of two seats and $15 was spent to buy clothes. Remaining cash I spent to buy foodstuff. I have been able to achieve a lot in a short span of period all thanks to GiveDirectly.
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
As a pastoralist community, goat rearing is almost a norm. It is a source of wealth for they breed so fast and one can easily sell to earn income. When I receive the transfers, I plan on using $1500 to purchase goats for income generation since getting casual jobs here is uncertain and I hope to have a stable source of income. To curb food insecurity in my household, I also hope to stock maize grains to last the whole because I have no land to farm. I will be glad to pay off my debts and restore my dignity in the community.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In a community, people have different personalities that impact the way they interact with each other. I am glad to have neighbours who value the well-being of one another. For instance, my neighbours are supportive as they often offer assistance when I do not have food as well as watch around my compound when away.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Even though I live alone, acquiring food is still a challenge. I often depend on casual jobs such as weeding to earn $2 daily which I use to purchase food. However, these jobs are unpredictable as I can only attend 5 jobs in a month hence living in debt since I have to eat and if I do not borrow, I often go to bed hungry. It pains me to be a bother to my family as I always depend on them for provision when I am low.