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 ($502 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am grateful to GiveDirectly for helping us with the money. My husband was ill and his condition was worsening daily. We couldn't afford to take him to a good hospital due to lack of money. However, through this transfer, he was treated and now recovering well. Had it not been this money, then I would have sold what I had to cater for his medication. I also have some livestock which includes a bull and seven goats. These are assets that I can now rely on in case of a financial need. I wouldn't have managed to buy any of these at own cost were it not the financial help from GiveDirectly.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has done well in giving us the transfer to uplift our living standards. Before the coming of GiveDirectly, We couldn't afford to access better shelter and even providing for our families was a challenge. Our lives have been totally transformed because we have been able to build decent houses and also owning livestock which are assets to us. 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 a bull at KES 15500. I am planning to buy another one so that I can have a complete pair of oxen the will help me in ploughing my farm. Apart from the bull, I also spent the transfer to cater for my husband's medication since he was ill for months. We couldn't manage to raise enough money on our own and his health was worsening. I am happy that after receiving this transfer he got treated and now recuperating well. I spent the remaining amount to buy some foodstuffs and paying for other household expenses.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($531 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
Having the goats has made my life to be so different in many ways. First, some have started reproducing and I believe they will increase in number at a high rate. I also believe I will no longer have some issues like delaying school fees payment, providing daily meals for my children and, many more. I will sell some of the offsprings and send my children to school and I believe my children will now be having some good performance. To add on that, my wish is when the goats multiply, I will exchange some for a dairy cow. This has always been my wish but because the cows are expensive I had to start with the goats. I am so grateful to GiveDirectly.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 3 am when I heard my phone vibrating so loudly. I was a bit nervous, but then something rang into my mind because I had been promised I will receive my transfer during that period. I decided to check the content of the text, only to realize it was an mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I was very happy because I was sure I will achieve a lot.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some building materials such as iron sheets and nails. This was purposely for the construction of a cowshed for my livestock. I then bought a bed and a mattress. Initially, I used to sleep on an old mat which was so hectic. I then bought some goats as my potential assets. I decided to buy goats because they reproduce fast and their food is readily available. I then paid school fees for my children so that they could study without any disturbances. The remaining amount of money, I bought some enough foodstuff for my family.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
A reliable source of income is my greatest desire in life hence, my first priority when I receive the transfers from GiveDirectly, I will start a shop business within our village in order to earn income that will help me to meet my family's basic needs. The other transfer will support me to buy goats, paying school fee for my children and also to repair my house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when I have more time to rest from my busy day. Unlike the other parts of the day when I am in the forest burning charcoal, a job that makes me feel exhausted during the day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a sustainable source of income is my biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life, something that has forced me to dwell in an illegal activities like carcoal burning in order to earn me income to cater for my family's basic needs. This job is very risky for me considering that, the government regulations on environmental conservation that forbides carcoal burning in Kenya.