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
55000 KES ($436 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?
I operate a retail shop and when I received the second transfer I purchase more stock. I spent $200 on stock and correctly I am able to meet the demand of my customers. I had always wished to expand this business but it was not possible because I did not have the money. The profits that I get now are much higher compared to when the stock was small. I use the profits to meet my family's basic needs. I spent $ 40 on purchasing a small water tank for storing clean water for drinking. We are no longer exposed to water-related diseases since we drink clean water, I spent some on plowing my farm and the rest of the money I spent on meeting the basic household needs and clothes for my family members.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does perfect work in that everything is planned well from the beginning of the training and the enrolments of the people in the community. Most of the people understood the program and spent the transfer well. I do not find anything that GiveDirectly did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
20k top a business of retail shop iam not able to meet the demand of my clients. I had always wished to expand it..used the profits on food
Tank 4200 storing clean water
Used on ploughing my farm
Food for the family and other household items
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($466 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 5 Pm when I heard my neighbors celebrating that they have received the transfer from GiveDirectly. When I checked my phone there was a message confirming that I have received the transfer as well. I felt so happy because I have never received such an amount of money before. We all celebrated with lots of joy. I knew I would be in a position to pay school fees for my grandchild whom we have been together. I went and withdraw the money and started to plan on other items. I am grateful for the support because GiveDirectly has changed my living standards.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have paid school fees for my grandson who is in secondary school. I have always wanted to see him completing her secondary education without being disturbed. I depend on small-scale farming and dairy-keeping project. Mostly all this is for consumption but sometimes I sell the surplus to earn some income to pay the school fees. The money that I would get from this is so small and I was not able to pay all in time. My grandson who be sent home and this was so demoralizing and affecting his performance, Currently, I have cleared the school fees and he is studying well. I wish to see his performance improve compare to previous academic years. I have peace of mind to conduct my daily activities without any stress since my grandson is in school. I am so grateful for the support since GiveDirectly has made my dream come true.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 35,000 on paying school fees for my grandson who is in secondary school. I am so happy because he has a good time studying without being sent home like before. This was my main big concern since I always wanted him to complete his studies. I spent part of the money on plowing my farm and planting beans and maize. The crops are good and I know I will get a good harvest. The rest of the money I spent on food and household items.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I retired in the year 1985 and since then I have been investing in farming. I opted to after spending the much I had on my passion to educate my children and grandchildren. I love this job since it does not require a lot of traveling thus it relaxing for me. I do mixed farming to enhance my income. Three months ago, I relocated to my home state to my farm. I had a plan to take my dairy shed and store it next to my house for easy management. I was not able to achieve this after spending the savings I had on house construction and my late wife's funeral. This cash transfer is consolation in my life. I had lost hope of doing this again since a lot of money is needed. I am planning to use KES 50000 to construct a new cowshed and store next to my new home. I will have an easy time managing my farm again. I believe this will improve my income thus making my life cheaper.
What is the happiest part of your day?
It is just a month and a half ago when darkness covered my life after the demise of my wife. I had been enjoying my old age at home practicing simple farming to meet my daily needs. I loved the support and care I usual had from my wife. It was indeed sorrowful for me to lose her. Even though I have not fully come to terms with her death, I thank God and am happy that I am slowly regaining my strength to stand alone again.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have found myself deeply stressed of the unfortunate events happening in my life. I got married while I was still young and thereafter got a job. It was my pleasure to bring my family with my wife until later on when she passed on. I was forced to marry a second wife to help me take care of my young children. I am happy and thankful to her that she took great care of them and gave me a son. It was just last month when a shock got me again. I was enjoying my retirement with my wife until her untimely death-stroke her. It has been sorrowful for me since then. I am still in shock and this is my current challenge.
