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 ($501 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?
Owning my own cow, and not just one but two is one thing that I am proud that I did using the transfer. For a long time, I have had to rear someone else cow but there's is always that fear that the owner could come for it any time. This gave me the desire to get my own but I did not have the resources to do because most of what I get goes into the daily needs of my family. When I finally got the transfer, I decided to fulfil my desires. I am glad that the cow I bought using the first transfer already calved down and this signals the start of good things. I am so grateful for GiveDirectly.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I loved that GiveDirectly had a very systematic and transparent way of running the project. From the very first step where we held a baraza and the house to house visit explaining and asking all questions. The project was well done in my opinion and I would not change anything.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I bought a cow using a portion of the transfer to add to the one that I previously bought using the first transfer. Before the transfers, I did not have my own cow but used to rear a friend's. I have always wanted to have my own and when the transfers came, this was the first thing that I had to do. I also saved a portion of the transfer to help me later during the planting season. I will use it to buy maize seeds, fertilizer and pay for labor for land tilling.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($547 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the ability to pay for my children's school fees without selling my livestock. I feel good I never sold any of my cows. This could be a big blow to my family since it is my main source of income. Had I sold it, I would have become poorer. I could have lost it completely without hope of ever getting back to my feet. I am hopeful that I will instead achieve more since my daily income is not interfered with.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I feel grateful because I would not have gotten away from starting my dairy project. The transfers enabled me to buy a heifer that is almost calving. It dawned to me that I would soon be having a daily income despite the fact that I don't work because of my disability. The money I will be getting from the sale of milk is enough to sustain me. I am no longer worried about my future because from this project I can achieve both short and long term goals.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent the first transfer on buying a heifer that is about to calve. I had for a long time been working towards starting dairy keeping. This had forced me to borrow and rear one that belonged to my brother in law because I could not raise money considering my disability. I am so glad that I have managed to buy one. I am settled in my min knowing that I will be having a daily income to support my young children when they will be joining the secondary school in the next two years.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have been a subsistence farmer for quite sometime and I have had many challenges due to long dry spells and crop diseases.I now want to shift my attention to dairy farming with the help of money transfers from Give Directly.I have a plan of buying 3 dairy cows each at a cost of approximately Ksh 30,000(300 USD).I will set aside 0.5 acres of land to grow animal feeds.The milk I get from the cows will serve as a good source of income.The income will help me educate my three children and satisfy other basic needs.I am always around my home and I believe I will be a successful dairy farmer because I will personally oversee everything.
What is the happiest part of your day?
After my children leave for school I go to my farm where I spend time working till noon.Afternoon is usually my free time and I enjoy when I am relaxing waiting for my children to come back from school.I take the time to reflect on my life and plan what is ahead for me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have a problem with my left leg which has caused me difficulty in walking and working.It began in the year 2000 and I have been through medication since then up to date.I visited several hospitals(and was admitted for 2 months at some point) but there was no improvement and I resorted to herbal medicine.For 8 years I used crutches to walk until 2008 when I started improving. This has hindered my ability to work.I struggle doing physical jobs and this has been a challenge since I am a farmer.I have three children to take care of together with my aging father.I feel much better now but I have to be consistent with my medication.
