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 ($528 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?
Before GiveDirectly came , my family members and I were very skinny because we could afford a meal in a day. On those bad days when my husband and I didn't get work since we depend on causal jobs the whole family had to miss meals and this was very frustrating . Today, we are able to have three meals which we buy with the sent transfers from GiveDirectly. This has enlighten my family's happiness which I am proud of. Secondly, Nowadays we do have enough rest after acquiring a mattress . Thanks to GiveDirectly.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly giving my community money that had no conditions on what to spend it on has enabled most of the beneficiaries to act on their pressing needs be it paying school fees or buying livestock with the intention of changing their living standards. I do not see what GiveDirectly did wrong at its work.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent a larger portion of second transfer to construct a toilet. I am glad that we no longer help ourselves in bushes that are around our homestead. With visitors around it was shameful for me to borrow my neighbor's toilet which was a little bit far. I bought four goats and food for my family's consumption with the remaining amount
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($545 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
Having renovated my house makes the biggest difference in my daily life. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for financial support. This money has made me renovate my house and it's now decent. The house that was initially my shelter was not good at all. It was ever leaking during rains. I have never enjoyed the peace of living in a decent house since I was married. I always had to seek shelter from my relatives whenever it rained.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was 5 am when I heard my phone ringing. This was so unusual. When I checked what the message was all about, I realized it was an mpesa message from GiveDirectly, they had sent my first transfer on my account. I was very happy at the moment and up to date, I am still happy.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some pieces of iron sheets, nails, and timber. I wanted to renovate my house since it had a leaking roof. I then took a portion of the transfer and gave my spouse to clear the dowry to my parents, because I never had peace. They were always saying that I will have to divorce my spouse if the dowry is not fully paid. I always had sleepless nights due to this issue. But I thank God there is a relief now after my husband paid everything they required. I also hired someone to help me with preparing my farm. I also bought a new mattress because the previous one was old. The remaining amount of money, I bought sufficient foodstuff for my family.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will grant us a chance to be food secure. We will set aside ksh.40,000 to purchase 2oxens and the ox plough which will help us to improve our farming by ploughing a larger portion of our 2 acre farm to in cooperate planting of maize, kales and cassavas in timeliness with the rainy seasons.The transfers will also enable us to renovate the roof and walls of our current house that tends to leak a lot when it rains.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is the evening when I return home from work and I get to spend quality time with my baby. Seeing her cooing and jumping with joy at being reunited with me once again really feels me with great joy. For the better part of the day while I am working, I leave her at home in the care of my in laws and much as they help me to take care of her, I always feel worried since she is still just 1year old and in great need of my presence.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial constraint to purchase food for the family is the biggest hardship that we face as a family. My husband who was the bread winner had an accident recently and nearly lost a finger.Since most of his casual jobs require the use of hands to operate, he has been rendered jobless and this has greatly affected our finances.My income of ksh.200 from fetching water and Washing clothes in Bamba town is what my family is currently relying on for food,medication and clothing. Since we can not compromise on his medication since I greatly wish for him to get well soon,getting money to buy our daily meals is the biggest tussle that I face. Going hungry on so many occasions,sometimes even for two days yet I am breastfeeding is by far the toughest test of my life.
