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 ($468 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I didn't have any new goals that I didn't have before receiving this second transfer as the ones that I had were making more progress in as far as settling my children's school fees arrears. These arrears had accumulated over a long time and had made partial payment with the money from my first transfer. I then spent the other part of the transfer I meeting my family's immediate needs, which was buying food and paying back various debts that I owed the local kiosks where I used to get food on credit.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I believe GiveDirectly did everything well and I don't see anything that it didn't do well. I was able to get a nice house, partly settle my children's school fees arrears as well as got enough food for my family that will keep us going for quite some time. All through the assistance we got from GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of the transfer which was KES 9000 on making partial payment in settling my children's school fees arrears because they had accumulated over a very long time and I had initially made partial payment with the money from my first transfer. I did this because I had gotten the money to assist in making progress in settling my children's school fees arrears because I am the only person they depend on as they don't have a dad. I believe in education and that it is the most important asset to give to my children as it will give them a bright future which I'll also benefit when they get employed after school. I am sure they won't forget about me, when they are in employment
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($504 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had gone to the farm at around 9 in the morning when my cell phone started ringing continuously. Since I am illiterate I did not bother to check who it could be. I went ahead with the task that I was working on till 1 PM when I decided to go back home. As soon as I reached home, I asked one of my children to confirm the content of the notification. Upon checking, he realized that it was the Mpesa message from Segovia Technology. On hearing this great news I was overwhelmed with joy becsue I finally knew my children well even have something to eat on that particular day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest in my daily life is that I will always mention is that I now have a decent two-roomed house. Previously I used to stay in a very small house with a single room. With the seven family members, it couldn't accommodate some of us. I had been longing to at least renovate it but I did not have enough money to facilitate that. This is because I have been the family's breadwinner for the past 9 years since my spouse passed on. I have been relying on the odd jobs with a very low income and even providing for the family's daily meals was sometimes not possible. Therefore I never had the hope of owning my own house anytime soon. Having this house has even me more proud and happier. My children no longer have to seek shelter from my relatives like they used to do. I will forever be thankful to GiveDirectly for not only transforming my life but also those of my village mates.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have been yearning to sleep in a decent house for so many years but because of the financial constraints, I couldn't afford to buy the necessary materials. Therefore after receiving the money, I had to fulfill the dream. I bought materials like iron sheets for $90, building poles at $56, nails and timber at $34 respectively. In addition to that, I gave the mason $90 as his labor charge. I then cleared hospital bills for my two sons who had undergone circumcision with a cost of $36. On top of that, I paid school fees for my children a total of $48 who are in primary schools. With the remaining amount of money, I bought enough food for the family and it's now a relief because we are now taking a two meals which was not achievable during those days.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Imagine staying in a single room house with 8 children, some of them are in adolescence stage. This has been my state after my previous house collapsed 7 years ago. My longing has been to construct a spacious house for my family but due to financial challenges, this dream has not been fulfilled. Receiving this money means building a large house which can accommodate all of us and live comfortable life. Also it's going to retain my privacy from my children at least they will have a separate room. I am planning to spend 70,000 Kenya shillings on the construction. Apart from the house, I will commit the remaining amount on school fees for my children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is my happiest part of the day. This because, I always have enough time with my family members we can chat together. Unlike in the afternoon when I am away for work and my kids are in school.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I work as a charcoal vendor in the village. This job is tedious and also earns me 450 shillings in a week. This earnings are meagre can not sustain all our needs such as food and shelter.