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 ($459 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
After a successful execution and completion of the projects that I had with the transfers I had received from GiveDirectly, I am glad that I am now set to initiate a venture in the expansion of agriculture. I have a plan to expand the land under subsistence farming that will ensure and increase food production for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did a great job in our villages after giving everyone an equal amount of money and allowing us to spend on anything we would wish to. Everyone was impressed and thankful for the generous support. Nothing went contrary to my expectations and has been my wish that the same would be done in other villages as well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After a long dependence on my parents to support my family with a daily liter of milk, I saw a chance to buy a heifer when I received the second transfer. This prompted a purchase of a heifer worth KES 28000 that I am glad to see every morning on the field. I also spent KES 9000 of the remaining amount on buying three sacks of maize that we are still using as foodstuff. In addition, I spent another KES9000 on buying new pairs of clothes for my three children and later used the remaining amount for the purchase of other household goods that we had been missing.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 8pm while relaxing on the couch after supper when I heard an SMS notification on my phone. On checking, I confirmed to have received KES55000 from GiveDirectly. I was very excited and woke up earlier than usual the next day to go and withdraw the money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving the transfers is availability of adequate food for my family. Initially, I relied on casual labor for food but nowadays I don't do any casual labor. Through the transfers, my house is also well lit which I couldn't afford before from my work as a casual laborer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES10500 on a solar lighting system and charging battery. This has helped in lighting my house unlike before when I used to rely on the small Dlight which was lighting dimly. I also spent KES6000 on purchase of new sofa cushions and a table. The rest was spent majorly on food and clothing.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will mean that I will be able to buy a cow that will enable me to sell milk to Siongiroi Dairies. A liter goes for KES 40 and earning KES 1200 a month is good because I will be able to buy food for my family without straining. We are casual laborers and so if we do not leave the house to look for work, my family will end up sleeping hungry.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Buying land has been one of my dreams and actualizing it by buying 2 points of an acre has brought me happiness because I can farm now and be assured that my family has food, or even earn from leasing it.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The major challenge that I am currently facing is being food secure. I do casual jobs on people's farms and rely on the money that I get to feed my family and sometimes go 2-3 days without getting any job. Having something that gives me a stable income will help me when there is no work to do.
