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.
Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($451 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the next one year and beyond, we are planning to purchase more land added onto that which we currently own. With this then we will be able to even keep more cattle , an investment that will make our lives and that of our child quite easy and affordable. I am currently part of a merry go round contribution where I am targeting to raise up to $500 to that is enough to buy an eighth of an acre..
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Fairness in enrollment process. There was no biasness at all in enrolling people who received the cash. Giving the cash as a form of aid also gave people an opportunity to choose for themselves ways in which they could spend the money.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When we received the second transfer, we used $150 to fence our compound. We then used a another $150 to clear a piece of land that I had bought and which we had balances to clear. The remainder of the amount was used to buy food, clothes and other needs of my family. Our compound was not very well look Ii Ng since I too had no fence and it had always been my desire to put up a fence in it. My husband and I are trained teachers but we are yet to be employed by the government. The little amount of money that we make is hardly enough to make ends meet for us and it was not until we received a transfer that we were able to do the things we did. I am so much at peace knowing that we have cleared for the piece of land that we had earlier bought.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($473 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had placed my phone on charge and when I went to collect it at around 8.00a m I saw a message from Givedirectly.Upon opening it was an MPESA message confirming receipt of my first transfer. I was happy to initiate the plans I heard.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the acquisition of the water tank and the purchase of land which has been my dream. I am grateful for this far and am looking forward to the second transfer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving my first transfer, I prioritized purchasing a water tank which cost KES 21,000. For the longest time, I had been walking long distances to go and fetch water. With the tank, I have been able to harvest rainwater which has saved me the long walks after arriving from work. I also paid a debt of KES 10,000. We had purchased land but we had not completed paying the amount. I am now settled and happy to go about my daily activities without fear. I also bought maize at KES 5,000. This will take us up to the next harvesting season. With the remaining amount, I bought household items and clothes for my family members.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My family of 4 depends on my husband's teaching career for the provision of basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing. Since I went to college I would not want my life to be meaningless by fully depending on my husband but rather look for a source of income. It is with these transfers that I plan to purchase a lactating dairy cow at KES 38000 thence be able to earn income through the sale of milk. I will be relieved that I will be able to pull resources and assist my husband in supporting the family as well as raise school fees to further my education.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My 3-year-old daughter developed a heart complication that called for a frequent check-up in high-end hospitals. She had a hole in her heart and the doctors did not advocate for surgery but rather put her on medication. Furthermore, the hospital trips were expensive as we could spend over KES 5000 round trip. I am glad her condition has improved to date for she no longer passes out as before. As a family, we thank God for the good health of our daughter.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I went to college to study a P1 course with the hope of getting employed immediately after graduation. However, this has since turned out to be hard because, with the introductory of Competency Based Curriculum in schools, I have to further my education to keep up with the requirements. This means acquiring more finances to accomplish this thirst for education. It pains me that the KES 5000 I earn from the PTA job is insufficient to cater for the household food as well as pay my school fees. Sadly, I have to forgo this education hence be unemployed despite the training I underwent for 2 years.
