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?
Yes. I actually had new goals that I didn't have before receiving the second transfer, which was buying land as opposed to the goal of buying cows for ploughing. I changed my mind after having seen how vulnerable cows were to this dry climate of our area, therefore, when I received the second transfer I decided I would be buying a piece of land.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly is doing everything right, all those of us who received the money were able to invest and start up some things that will always and continuously take care of us. Our lives were elevated, and I don't see any thing that GiveDirectly doesn't do right.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of the transfer which was KES 30000 on buying a piece of land that would be an investment in that after some time, I believe, will appreciate in value which inturn I'll be able to sell it at a much higher price than the one I bought it for. I could, as well decide to build rental houses that when I get tenants, it will be my regular source of income. I did this because I was seeing my neighbors investing in various projects and business ventures through the money they received from GiveDirectly and I was so motivated not to be left behind and end up living in continuous poverty. I am so grateful to GiveDirectly for this program, it helped us a lot.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($496 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Being a charcoal vendor, I had gone to the bush for charcoal burning. I always left my phone in my house since I fear it may get lost. When I returned home I heard my neighbours claiming that they had received their transfer the previous day. I was shocked and rushed to check my phone to see if there is any message about my transfer. I was so excited after I saw the mpesa SMS indicating that I had received the transfer from GiveDirectly. I had to confirm my account balance to ascertain it and indeed it was true that I had received my transfer.
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 am now living a happy life free from the stresses after starting a motorbike taxi which earns me KES 300 per day a sustainable income for my family. In addition, I am able to meet my daily needs especially food without struggling with the income I obtained from the business.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to start a motorbike taxi business by purchase 2 brand new motorbikes on hire purchase by paying a deposit of KES 15,000 each. I am currently earning an income of KES 300 per day on average after paying all the daily installments for each bike. I also invested KES 7000 in start goats rearing by acquiring two goats. My long-term plan is to exchange them for oxen once they reproduce in the future to assist me in ploughing my farm. I also spent 4000 to support my kid's educational needs by clearing the fee balance. The remaining amount assisted me to purchase enough food and water for the family.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I will complete my house .My house has no roof on one side! I have to complete roofing my house . I will spend 30,000 shillings to finish my house, spend 20,000 shillings to start a retail shop business here in my house and pay my children's school fees which I have fee balance of 27,000 shillings and clear next terms fees. I have never slept on a mattress bed since I was born- I am planning to buy the first mattress bed in my life.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is in the morning when I have food in the house and I have no stress Knowing that my family will eat both breakfast and lunch . when it reaches in the afternoon I realize I have to plan for the evening and tomorrow in order to have food in my house.- My happiest part of the day is in the morning.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship is that since I was born, I have been relying on charcoal burning business.Its hard and it has ruined my body and I feel I have no strength. I was married and my husband was doing a casual labour in the nearby town but he died 20 years ago and left me with 6 children to feed on and of which I depend on charcoal burning business-- this is the biggest hardship in my life.