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 ($528 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is currently different because the transfer has enabled me to buy a motorcycle which has now become a source of income to us. My husband had been employed to provide the taxi services and the income was little since he was to give a portion to the owner. It couldn't even cover for our household needs. I am happy that this motorcycle is giving us enough money to fulfil our family's needs effectively. Besides, I also managed to buy some building materials such as iron sheets, building poles and nails to build an extension of a single room to accommodate my children. They no longer have to seek shelter from neighbours at night.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has done well on choosing and enrolling needy households, including my household. At least our lives are now different. We have access to good shelter and the money has empowered us economically since we have livestock as assets to rely on in case of financial needs. Also, buying motorcycles to provide taxi services from which we are earning income. I do not see anything that GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying iron sheets, nails and some building poles. My house was not spacious and I needed to build an extension of a single room to accommodate my children. They will no longer have to seek shelter from the neighbours at night. In addition to this, I also spent KES 10800 to buy a new bed and a mattress. I used to sleep on a traditional bed and some worn-out mats. At least I can now enjoy a comfortable sleep with the new bedding. Providing daily food for my family was a challenge to me thus when I received my money, I bought enough foodstuffs using the remaining amount as well as paying for other household expenses.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($541 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest differ in my life ever since Give Directly came into my life is that I now have a stable source of income. I managed to buy a motorbike using the transfers. This has been giving me a daily income that normally helps me achieve my daily needs. I normally save part of the money with the intention to buy another one. Nowadays I am able to buy fertilizer and food with ease. In addition to that, I have also built an extra room for visitors.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the money early that morning. I was so happy; no words can express my joy. It comes at a time when I badly needed money. I took a whole day celebrating the good news. After several consultations, I went and withdrew the money and transacted the business of buying a motorbike. I came home with my machine and since then my life has greatly improved. I don't regret making this decision at all.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent the first transfer on buying a motorbike. Even though I don't owe the bike fully, I know my living standards will definitely improve since my daily income will increase. I still owe the owner about KES 6000. I know it won't take long before I clear the debt.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My husband is a skilled motorcyclist with over 10 years experience in riding a motorbike to ferry charcoal to Mombasa from the village. The business is very lucrative in that on a good day he manages to earn close to ksh.1500 if he goes for three trips. The problem is that he does not have his own and as such he is forced to rely on being employed by someone who has to put his skill into use. For a very long time , he has wished to buy his own so that he can be independent and start saving the standard ksh.400 that he has to give to his employer everyday regardless of wether he makes an earning or not. However, this wish has always been derailed by lack of finances to buy his own and also go for the driving test to acquire a legal license permitting him to ride freely without having to evade the police from time to time. With this money he will spend ksh.13,000 to acquire his drivers licence and ksh.60,000 to get a second hand motorbike that he has already identified and certified to be in good working condition. With his own income,I am sure that our households finances will greatly improve thus changing our way of living which is currently very pathetic to be a bit comfortable and free from constant financial worries.
What is the happiest part of your day?
When I wake up in the morning, I head to my farm where I till my maize plants up to around noon.I then return home and prepare the midday meal after which I head to the pond to fetch water for the household. By the time I get to finish and rest it is normally around 4:00 pm and this is normally my happiest time of the day because after a long strenuous day, I finally get to rest and spend time with my three month old baby whom I am forced to leave in the care of the grandmother while I am tending to the other duties at home.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial constraint is the biggest hardship that we are currently facing. In this era where there exists so many motorbikes, it is becoming increasingly difficult to be employed as a rider and be expected to deliver ksh.400 everyday to the owner and at the same time save a little from the days earnings for once own upkeep. The standard rate of ksh.400 that has to be paid to the employer on a daily basis regardless of wether one managed to work or not tends to make riders to strain a lot and that is why I wish for my husband to have his own motorbike for his own independence and peace of mind.Sometimes they go for so many days without getting any orders to supply charcoal but still he is forced to source for the standard fee to pay the owner.This is the cause for all our financial woes because much as we try to save up,the little that we have ends being consumed in paying the employer on days that he did not work thus forcing us to live in a continuous cycle of poverty and dependency of eating from hand to mouth.
