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 ($450 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?
Before I received transfers from GiveDirectly, I used to spent part of my salary on developing a plot which I had acquired. As per my plan it would take me like two years before I completed the project but the funds received enabled me to acquire the materials for the completion of four rental houses. At the moment, I am left with painting the rooms and soon it will be ready to be occupied. Since I am almost done with the first phase, I will start the construction of other four houses since I will have started collecting rent from the four houses which I used the GiveDirectly's transfers to complete.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly brought change in my community in that people were given money and no restrictions on what to spend on and to me that was the best thought. Again, all people within the village were considered for the project without any discrimination. People who are employed and non employed all benefited from the project and that was very fair. That's what I can say GiveDirectly did well.
On the other hand, a special consideration should have been given to those people living with disability and the elderly. They should have been given bigger amount and close follow up on how those entrusted to help them spent the cash for this group.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My second transfers which I received from GiveDirectly, I spent the whole amount on purchasing materials for constructing rental houses. I bought some sand, windows, doors and cement for completing the four rental houses which was under construction. I am glad that these transfers enabled me to complete the houses within a very short time. Soon the houses will be ready for occupancy and I will be earning revenue through collection of rent.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($475 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
During the day, my phone was closed since I was having a busy schedule. When I opened my phone at 5 pm a message popped up with a confirmation of my first transfer from Givedirectly. I was super amazed and thankful to God for the support. I couldn't wait to go and withdraw the transfer the following morning so that I could initiate my plans.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Though I still have a lot to accomplish building the house for my sons has been the greatest difference in my daily life. They now have their privacy and have an ample environment to study. Looking forward to accomplishing more with the second transfer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receipt of my first transfer, I spent KES 40,000 on the construction of two roomed house for my sons who for the longest time possible they used to go sleep in my neighbor's house. The house is almost complete and they are very excited that they are no longer going to interfere with the privacy of their friends. I also gave a tithe of KES 5,000 in my church just to thank God for all the achievements. The remaining amount, I spent on buying clothes and foodstuffs for my family members. I appreciate all the work that Givedirectly has done in my entire village.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I relocated to this village in the year 2015 having bought a 0-8 acre piece of land. Living here is quite a challenge because of the size of the plot that my homestead sits in. The compound covers 0-5 acres and the remaining 0-3 is left for cultivation. I am a teacher by profession and I earn KES 25000 a month and all of this money is spent on paying school fees for my 2 siblings leaving me empty-handed at the end of the month. I aspire to extend the portion of land that I live to create more room for cultivation and I intend to spend KES 80000 to buy additional 0.2 acres. Receiving this money will help me expand the size of my farm and this will give me more room for cultivation.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Last year September I was blessed with a bouncing baby boy and that was the happiest point of my life
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
This area is largely dry and getting safe water for household use is the biggest challenge that I face. The nearest water pan is 5-kilometers away and carrying a 20-liter jerrican of water on your back is not easy. Take note that I make 4-5 trips because ones would not be sufficient. I have developed chest pains as a result of doing this over and over. Sadly I have to continue because I have no option since I cannot afford to hire a motorbike to ferry it for me.
