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 ($438 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I studied pharmacy courses in college and I wish to be self-employed and start a chemist business. This will give me some income to meet all my basic needs and even open more branches. Currently I am employed and getting some income through that.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does well in that it has given people a chance to invest in their dream projects. Many invested in dairy keeping projects and this has enabled them to cut the daily cost of buying milk. I do not find anything that GiveDirectly did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Due to the prolonged drought in our area, I purchased a water tank that cost $220. I used to walk a long distance to collect clean water for domestic use and for drinking. This was so tedious and time consuming. I had always wished to purchase a tank but I did not have the money. I rely on small-scale farming and casual jobs. The amount of money that I get is for basic household needs, There was no extra money to buy a tank. I am so happy now in that I have clean water and I no longer have to walk for that long distance. I spent $200 on purchasing sofa set seats, tables and bedding. I spent part of the first transfer on completing the construction of the house but I had not purchased the seats. I am so grateful now in that I have the seats in place. The remaining amount of money I spent on food, clothes, and other basic household items. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has changed our living standards.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 5pm, I was still at work. When I heard a message notification from my phone. I reluctantly check it out I didn't know it was from GiveDirectly. The message indicted tat I have received money from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy because I have never received such amount of money before. I couldn't concentrate at work again. I waited to rushed home to inform my family. This was one of my best days. My family felt so happy because of the support. We took a period of one week to plan on how to spend it.
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 have completed the construction that had stopped due lack of money to buy the building materials. I depend on small scale farming and my job as a pharmacist. This two combined earns me small income and I was not able to meet all the basic needs and do the construction. I had suspended the construction process and I didn't know where to get the money. When GiveDirectly came to our village I knew this was the opportunity to receive the money and do the construction again. Currently I have cemented the house and paid the workers on time. My house now looks so decent. I no longer stress up like before. When I have visitors at home I do not shy off welcoming them because my house is smart and spacious. I am so grateful for the support because were it not GiveDirectly all this could have taken quite some time.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used part of the money to complete the construction of my house that was on going. This was one of my goals since I had suspended the construction due to lack of money. I used some amount to buy sofa set seats and the rest of the money I deposited at the shop, yet to complete and get a water tank. I'm so excited because I will be able to harvest clean rain water.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My first priority is to finish construction my house. I started building it last year but I haven't been able to complete it because of insufficient funds. I plan on using an estimate of KES 40,000 in completing the house and KES 30,000 in purchasing a water tank to help me store water for the dry season.
What is the happiest part of your day?
This year at the end of April I got my first job as an assistant pharmacist. This is such an achievement for me considering I'm not yet certified. Before that I did not have a source of income but now I get paid KES 7,000 monthly which I mainly use for food in my house and I'm able to assist in my husband in bringing in extra income to the table.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I was fortunate enough to go for my diploma studies in Pharmacy but on my last year I got pregnant and had to stop my studies. After giving birth I had to embark on household work and I couldn't not go back to school. Luckily I got a job at a local chemist but because I'm not yet certified I get paid as a casual labourer with a pay of KES 7,000 each month. My husband works in Nairobi as a waiter but his salary is insufficient to help me pay for my school fees and finally do my certification exam.
