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 ($527 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 fact that I no longer ask for help when it comes to ploughing business, makes me very happy. I have my own cows and ox plough which means I can get a contract and carry it out successfully without asking for help from anyone. Before the transfers, I had an ox plough but I did not have the number of cows I needed to use the ox plough. As a result, I had to team up with my neighbour who had some bulls so that we could successfully use the ox plough. This means we had to split the income between us. But now that I have everything I need, the money I get is my own which has increased my income and independence. I can comfortably take up a job without having to seek for my partner's approval.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GD did very well in giving cash unconditionally. This was the best part of the assistance from GD because everyone got to use their transfers in their area of need. Had it been conditional, it would not have been very impactful. For me, GD did well in everything. I am satisfied with their services.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my second transfer on buying two bulls to add to the ones so that I can now fully carry out the business of ploughing for others at a cost independently. I will also not have to work on other people's farm to avoid paying cash for ploughing on my farm. Right now I have the number of cows I need to plough for others and my farm without asking for help from others. The rest of the transfers I used on paying school fees for my children. I did not want to wait until they are sent home for fees arrears so as to look for money to pay. I would want to make a difference in their lives by paying their arrears in time before they are sent home. I also used part of the arrears to repair my broken bicycle so that I can have something to use in movement easily at no cost.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($542 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
Having my own ox plough has made my life to be so different. Having the pair of oxen was a bit challenging without the ox plough machine, I had to hire from friends and sometimes I couldn't afford it. Everyone was using his, so it was a bit difficult for me to prepare my farm in good time. Owning it has brought a great change since I will be preparing the farm in good time and also hire it to friends.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 5:30 am when I heard my phone vibrating so loudly. I decided to check who had sent the message early that morning. After checking, I realised it was an mpesa message from GiveDirectly. They had debited my first transfer as they had promised. I was overwhelmed with joy.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying an ox plough. I had been longing to own it for long but I could not afford it since I had some basic needs to cater to. I also hired someone to help in preparing my farm and also watering the plants. I later bought some new clothes for my children since the old ones were old and torn The remaining amount of money I bought enough foodstuffs for my family and some other household items that I was lacking.
Enrolled
access_time almost 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I lost 13 cows due to drought in 2015. These animals were of great help to my family. Among them was a pair of oxen that we used to scale up farming as well as hire at a fee. We never suffered food insecurity because we could till 5 acres of land. However, after their death we reduced to 2 acres. We could also sell milk to generate money that supplemented our income. This has stirred up my ambition to own these animals once again. I will therefore use this transfer to purchase 2 bulls and a dairy cow. Besides, I will clear pending school fees for my child.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am mostly happy in the morning because this is the time I get to bond with my children before leaving for work. Their happy faces give me the motivation to work harder despite my condition.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I was a victim of riots in 1997 when I received thorough beating from the armed forces. Many of us were arrested and put in police custody without medical care. After being released I had no money for treatment and resorted to painkillers less did I knew that I would feel its impact later. All went well until last year when I suffered serious joint dislocation in my pelvis. This condition put me to a bed rest of one year since I was immobile. Since then life has never been easy since I cannot be productive enough to sustain my family. I have not been able to pay school fees for a whole year thus accumulating the debt. I consider this sickness as the biggest hardship.
