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.
Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($463 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
After accomplishing most of my goals with the transfer like starting a charcoal business that generates income for my family. My new goal is to renovate the roof of my house which was blown away by strong winds. We are expecting the onset of short rains soon and I am worried that my house will leak during this season.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in giving cash transfer grants directly to our phones. In addition, the was not a loan and we were not required to repay which was a good thing. All that they do was good and I feel there is nothing that they did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had desired to own proper beddings for myself. This is because I have been sleeping on the floor for many years which was not comfortable and impacted my health negatively because of the frequent backbone pains. I spent recent my transfer to purchase a modern bed and mattress for KES 12,000. Furthermore, we contribute KES 15,000 each with my son making a total of KES 30,000 to start a charcoal business in Mombasa. This is our reliable source of livelihood for the family since I am currently depending on temporary casual labour a job that does not earn me much income. I also bought 17 irony sheets that I intend to use in constructing a decent shelter for my grown-up son who is currently seeking shelter from our neighbours.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($489 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 9am on my journey home when I received a message in my phone. I didn’t bother myself to look at it since I do not know how to read. Upon reaching home I gave out the phone to one of the children so as to read for me what the message was all about. I was dumb founded when I realized that I have walked all my way with such huge amount of money in my phone. This was the first transfer from GiveDirectly. I felt happy for the whole day because things were tough on my side. The shops I used to borrow some items were denying me saying my bills will run them at a loss.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference we are having in our life since the day we received the first transfer is a better access to food. Our area is extremely dry and I have been relying on the charcoal business which takes up to five days for them to mature for sale, thus leaving us sleeping without food for some days and also entering into the debts records of the shopkeepers. But since the day GiveDirectly sent the transfer, we are having enough food for the family and I was able to settle all the bills.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After withdrawing the money, I opted to get some livestock as a long-term investment. But before committing the money to the livestock I first paid the debts from the shops where I used to take some items. Thereafter, I bought some goats and a ploughing jembe which will aid me in weeding during the rainy season. The remaining amount, I decided to keep it for the family upkeep because the hunger that is in our area plus the water hardship is becoming abnormal. Everything needs money.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means food security to my household since I am planning to upscale my farming. This is because I always till one acre of land using a hoe and the much produce I normally harvest is two 90kg bags of maize. I am planning to spend the utmost KES 40000 of my first transfers to buy oxen and an ox plough which will enable me to till my four acres of land this will ensure me to get more harvest of 8 90kg bags of maize to sustain my family of 3. I will the remaining amount of my first transfer to cater for household expenses like food. With my second transfer intend to spend KES 30000 to buy 10 goats which will act as a long-term investment project for my household. The remaining amount will help me to buy new beddings to replace the old ones.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The evening is the happiest part of my day. This is because at this time, I share dinner with my family, sometimes that makes me happy. Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours when I might even miss food for my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity has been a challenge to my household. I am a charcoal vendor, a very tiresome and time-consuming job. The income from this job is minimal, usually KES 400 per week, and cannot sustain us. Seeking help from relatives has always been the case and this gives me the feeling of shame. Therefore, I consider food insecurity as the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life.
