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 ($467 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
After receiving both my transfers, I spent in all the plans that I had, I now have a goal of constructing a spacious house for my six family members. I am a subsistence crop farmer and saving towards the new goal.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Givedirectly did well by giving us unconditional cash transfers and giving us the freedom to spend on the things that we needed most. Every household in my village has a new face. I do not have any complaints since everything went well as we had been informed by Givedirectly officers.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving my second transfer, I prioritized clearing debt of Kshs.16,000.It had stressed me since the owner would remind me every day but I didn't have a lump sum amount to repay. I am happy that I am now at peace without fear of receiving calls from the pe With Ksh 16,000 I invested in purchasing four sheep. This will multiple in the future and will sell to get extra income which will be an additional amount towards my savings plan of constructing a spacious house for my growing family. With the remaining amount, I used to buy food and clothing for my household members.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I remember vividly that it was around 9 am, when I heard a ringtone message from my phone. I was doing my daily chores at home. I was with my beat friend. I reluctantly check the message because I was not expecting anything. I couldn't believe my eyes it was a message indicating that I have received KES 55,000 from GiveDirectly. Within five minutes, my friend's phone rings it was the same message. He just received the money. We both celebrated. We stopped whatever we were doing and went back home. We immediately inform our family members and they celebrated with lots of joy. I went and withdrew the money the same day. I knew from that point that I will be in a position to buy a dairy cow. Within some few day I had bought a dairy cow. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has enabled us to own assets which could have taken quite some time.
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 bought a heifer. I am so happy because GiveDirectly enabled me to own a heifer which could have taken quite some time. I buy milk everyday and it's so costly for me. I depend on small scale farming and casual jobs in the village. The amount of money that I get through this is so small and cannot meet all the basic needs of the family. Whenever I had no money my children would go without milk and this is so demoralizing. I had always wished to own a dairy cow but it was not possible. When I received the money from GiveDirectly, We decided with my spouse to buy one dairy cow. I know that in the next few months when it reproduce we will get enough milk for my family. I will sell the surplus at the market to earn an income. My plans is to improve this dairy farming and ensure that I always get enough milk at all time. Currently I have devoted some of my time on this project. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has changed our living standard.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 27,000 of the first transfer on purchasing a heifer. I will get enough milk when it reproduce in the next few months. This will enable me to cut the daily cost of buying milk. I am so grateful for this. I build a better kitchen, we had a small kitchen movement was not easy and there was nowhere to store kitchen items. Finally I bought food and clothes for my children. I am so grateful for the support because GiveDirectly has changed our living standard.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
It brings joy to me and my family. Since its going to improve our lives. I have one thatched house. I can't even harvest water when it rains. Here in our village we collect water from the river and its far from where i reside.However, there is tapped water but I cannot afford.so getting this money will help me build a iron roofed house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when i return from my hustles and i got money to buy food for my family. I am usually happy that my family did not go to bed hungry.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship has been lack of enough money. The little money I earn from my job cannot sustain my family in terms of food. I would wish to have a better house like my neighbors.