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 ($518 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?
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am now self-employed. Before receiving GiveDirectly's transfers I used to do casual jobs around the village . From this, I used to earn KES 250 on a day which could barely meet my family's needs. Starting a small retail business using the transfers is a great opportunity I have attained through GiveDirectly's donations in my life since it has enabled me to meet my family's daily needs with ease . Secondly , securing a solar lamp for lighting at night has been very advantageous since I no longer have to incur the daily expenses of buying paraffin which was so costly.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion , GiveDirectly did well by giving the village members an opportunity to decide whether to participate in the project or not . This made the community appreciate and believed that GiveDirectly respected their opinions . I do not see what GiveDirectly did wrong at its work.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent a larger part of my second transfer to buy ox and four goats . Investing in livestock is my long term project since I believe in future I will be able to realize their profits .I bought a solar lamp and today my house is nicely lit . The remaining amount I saved in my Mpesa account since intend to restock my retail shop business which I had started before with the first transfer .
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($530 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
My greatest desire was to see my children having a good place to shelter instead of seeking shelter elsewhere at night. The money has enabled me to build an extension of a single on my house to accommodate them under one roof. I bought enough materials which include building poles and iron sheets for roofing. I am at peace now because my children do not have to worry any more for shelter. To me, seeing my children comfortable in this house is the biggest difference in my daily life.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I woke up early in the morning and I went through the messages that were in my inbox. I realized there was a Mpesa message and when I read the message, I noted that I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I was filled with joy because the things that seemed impossible to me, were certainly going to be actualized with the help of the transfers.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent KES 15000 of the first transfer on purchasing building materials to build an extension of a single room to my house so that I would be able to accommodate my children who are now old enough. I bought iron sheets, building poles and paid the mason for his job. I also bought livestock which includes an ox at KES 15000 and three goats at KES 7500 to keep in my homestead. I am planning to purchase another ox to make a pair to aid me in my farming. On the remaining amount, I opened a kiosk that I am selling fast-moving products from which I am earning a small income.
Enrolled
access_time almost 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Second hand clothes business has been my inner desire in my life ever since I am a casual labourer and my income is not enough to support my family's basic needs. Receiving this money from GiveDirectly means fulfilling my aspirations since I will be able to start the clothes business which will be operated by my wife. This will be our reliable source of income something that will change our livelihood. I also plan to spend the remaining amount to buy five goats and one cow in order to start rearing.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day because I usually get ample time to rest and share meals with my family. My morning and afternoon hours are very exhaustive since I am required to be at my working site very early in order to get a chance to work.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a reliable source of income is my biggest hardship ever since I am just a casual labourer which earns me at most five thousand shillings per month if at all I accumulate my earnings. Despite being casual, it is not guaranteed to get the chance to work every day and this means some days may pass without working. Since I am the sole breadwinner for the family, sometimes we miss our meals and even in some cases my children are sent out of school due to lack of fee.
