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 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have been hoping to build a nice and decent house to live in for long but due to the financial constraints I was facing, I could not fulfill this. My income wasn't enough to cater for both household daily needs and construction of a new house. With GiveDirectly transfer, I managed to buy some building materials for this purpose. I am excited that I have completed my new house. I currently enjoy peace of mind since I no longer worry about how I will build a better house. This is a goal that has given me the biggest difference in my daily life. I feel so proud of my home and have the confidence of welcome anyone now that I have good place I can host them unlike before.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has proven to be ready to help the needy in society and I being part of the beneficiaries I thanked them a lot. I wish GiveDirectly can do field follow up to really see what the recipient spent the money on and to get an assurance that money was really supporting to them.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer to buy a cow worth KES 35000. I settled on this so that when it calves, I will have milk for both household consumption and sales to earn an extra income. I am happy to look at such an asset in my homestead courtesy of GIveDirectly. I took another KES11500 to spent on my family clothing. I made this decision to share the happiness of receiving such support with my family. We are so happy to have new clothes we added to our old ones. In addition, I spent KES2500 for transport to visit our relatives. It was our pleasure visiting relatives that had been long meeting them. I spent the remaining amount on buying some basic needs for my family and to cater for our daily expenses.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($533 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am happy and comfortable that I now live in a decent, bigger and spacious house. Before I built this new house, I used to live in a small house that was barely enough for my family. Whenever I had visitors, I used to get so uncomfortable because there wasn't enough space to house them on. I am glad that I can now welcome them without any fear. I am so happy with the development thanks to Give Directly.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received a message notification on my phone one early morning and upon checking, I realized it was the transfer that had promised that it would be sent. I got so excited and knew that finally, my plans would go through.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I built a new house using part of the transfer received from Give Directly. I have always wanted to build a house for a long time but lack of finance had been a hindrance. I used the rest of the transfer to buy a sheep for rearing as an investment for the future.
Enrolled
access_time almost 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
The small hut i live in with my family is too small and is leaking now that its on a rainy season, something that has brought shame to me since i lack a reason to give to my children whenever they ask me why this is happening. I therefore plan to build a three roomed iron roofed house to mark an end to all this. I will use part of the money that remains to buy my own cow since the one i have in my farm belongs to a relative who allowed me to keep for him and will soon be coming for it.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My usual day entails working in people's farms doing jobs such as weeding and fencing. In the morning im usually worried since i can't figure out whether i will go to work or not since i have a sick parent to attend to. However, whenever i make it to work, coming back home in the evening is the happiest part of my day since i usually come home carrying food for my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My father is epileptic which has been a great challenge since i am the firstborn in the family hence i am required to stay home closer to him to monitor his situation and to ensure he is safe. My wife works as a casual labourer working in people's farms and she is the breadwinner of our family. My greatest desire has always been to open my own workshop here at home so that i can work closer to my sick father since i posess skills in capentry but i havent been able to achieve this due to lack of capital. This is the biggest hardship i am facing.
