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 ($492 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different from how it would have been because I managed to renovate my house. It had old roofing whenever it could rain it was hectic, also it had weak muddy walls and I always feared it could fall anytime especially during the heavy rainy season. Apart from that, the cold night was also another disaster because my children were always attacked by cold-related diseases and we were in and out of the hospital as a result of the condition of the house. I am glad this is resolved and I no longer have to worry about the rains and my children's well-being.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well by giving out cash transfers to every deserved household in my village. Our living standards have totally improved because each one of us has at least an asset such as livestock that can depend on. Also, currently, our houses are iron roofed and decent. One can no longer find a temporary hut in the village like before. In regards to this, I do not see any part GiveDirectly failed us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying some twenty-one pieces of iron sheets at KES 650 each, timber, nails. This was for the renovation of my previous house since its roof used to leak excessively. Also, I paid the mason KES 8000 as his labour. Also, I bought a big solar panel that is now providing us with light at nght. Also, I cleared the fees arrears for my stepchildren who are in secondary school. I also bought a sheep as an asset that I can lean on. In addition, I saved KES 3000 and the remaining cash, I bought foodstuffs
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 1300Hrs on that day that I received the transfers. I was at home and I heard a message come into my phone. When I checked and saw the Mpesa message, I was very very happy.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I was able to buy cattle, and to build my family a bigger and better house. I am very grateful to GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfers to purchase one cow, to buy a solar panel, and to build a house. I have two children and my husband and I both work at our farm. We live in a small grass thatch roofed house. I am glad I received the transfers as we will no longer have to squeeze in the single-roomed house. I purchased the cow with the hope that I can make some money out of it in future, either by selling it if need be, or even in terms of milk production.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will help me own more livestock. I have two sheep but with this money I can own 6 goats and from the 6 goats I will be able to buy a cow. My livestock budget is 200 USD. I will also aside some money for my 2 years 9 months old son who needs medication .He is asthmatic.I will then buy a bed and a mattress so that I can be sleeping comfortably. Currently I sleep on the floor with an old mattress.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I spend the morning hours in my farm and the rest of the day doing house chores. My afternoon duties include washing utensils,sweeping the compound ,fetching firewood and water. When evening comes,I get to relax and calm my mind. This is usually my opportunity to recollect my mind and think of my future plans. This moment is usually the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My first born son who is almost 3 years old has been asthmatic since he was born. This becomes worse during the rainy season since he develops some difficulty in breathing. This situation has drained us financially and stressed me too. Last year alone,he was admitted six times in hospital. I depend on my husband who is a casual labourer. The little he gets is not enough to cater for the basic needs and good medication for my child.
