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 ($442 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
After buying a one-acre plot of land near a river, aiming to start growing vegetables for sale, I developed a goal of making my farming successful. I aim to buy a water pumping machine for irrigation purposes from the river water. By so doing, I will be able to succeed in the project even if there will be less rain provided the river does not dry.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly is a well-strategized organization that has no comparison. It enabled us to do what we needed as per our needs by giving us cash. Each community member had the liberty of transforming their life from the hardship we were going through. I managed to buy a plot and I aim to start a horticulture business.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since I am a farmer by passion, upon withdrawing the second transfer, I bought a one-acre piece of land near a river which traded at KES 45000.00. The aim was for agriculture which is why I chose near a river to do some irrigation to enable me to have some harvests time in and time out. I also finalized the roofing of my house which needed six pieces of iron sheets. I used KES 5100.00 for that exercise. I lastly bought a small solar panel for light provision because buying kerosene on daily basis was expensive. I bought this sola on hire-purchase by paying a deposit of KES 2000.00 and I am paying a daily installment of KES 60.00 for one year.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Prior to the day GiveDirectly sent me my transfer, I was really in a very tight situation. My household members and I had gone for two consecutive days without food because I did not have any money for buying food. I realized that my transfer had been sent to me at around 6:56pm in the evening. At that time I had gone to borrow some 2 packets of 2kg maize flour from my step brother who runs a shop in the neighbouring village. Just at the moment when I wanted to share with him my problems, something prompted me to check my phone. What a surprise? At first I doubted the message I saw. In an attempt to control my excitement, I just sat down in one of the chairs to recheck my Mpesa balance. That evening always rings in my mind, I felt super excited because that was a big relief to me and my family. I am so grateful to GiveDirectly.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life since I started receiving my transfers is having adequate food for my household. In addition, being able to clear school fee arrears for my children has made me to have peace of mind. Previously, I did not have any reliable source of income hence acquiring food was always hard, a situation that forced us to frequently go without a meal. Having settled school fees, I currently find it easy to comfortably support my family members. Thanks to GiveDirectly for its financial support.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my most recent transfer, KES 17,000 to buy timber and round poles that I am planning to use to build a new spacious two bedroom house. Currently, I live in a single small house that cannot fit my family of 9 members. Upon receiving my second transfer, I shall prioritize finishing my new house in order to relieve my children from the struggle of always going to sleep in the neighborhood at night. Through this, my children will be having adequate time to study in the house since they will always have reduced movement at night.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means better accommodation for my family of 7 children. I use KES 20,000 to build a semi-permanent house with spacious space to fit my children. I do not have proper beddings, my children sleep with sacks and coconut branches on the ground. I will buy 3 beds and mattresses amounting to KES 15,000 which will make them sleep well. Currently, my children have not been enrolled in school because I lack the funds to take them. It will be my joy seeing my 7 children going to school like other people's children. I will also buy ten goats as a future investment for my kids. They can multiply easily and are used to the weather conditions.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I was jobless after the river we used to fish dried up. Unfortunately, three months ago I got a contract to dig a pit latrine at the nearby primary school 7 kilometers from home. I got KES 20,000 for the job, I was excited to buy rice and beans for my family this had not happened because we only eat those meals at burials and weddings.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial instability is the challenge I face as of now. I use to fish at the nearby river 5 kilometers from my compound but due to the pronged drought the river dried and we're left with nothing else to do. I had to turn into charcoal, burning but we longer have trees so we dig trunks to burn to get charcoal. This is tiresome with fewer returns of KES 1500 per week. Having 7 children to take care of their basic needs and not having a stable source of income lowers my dignity as a father because I am unable to provide.
