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
53010 KES ($383 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
As a man of the house and a breadwinner,one has to make sure the family's needs are fully catered for, and a single source of income is not fulfilling. Therefore, aside from the two dairy cows I own, I hope to add more so as to produce at least 20 liters of milk per day to sell to the milk vendors and earn the family of four some income and food as well. In addition, I am hopeful that I will have cleared the motorcycle loan, hence saving the $3.5 I get from leasing it out. I will use this savings and the profits from the milk sales on the additional cow.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
With GiveDirectly, lives have changed since people have the chance to attend to their needs without any influence. In my community, for instance, people have acquired assets such as cows, motorcycles, and houses and also educated their children. If one has to make a comparison between when the transfers were not yet` out and now, then the change is noticeable. Previously,many community members walked long distances to look for casual jobs to feed their families, but now, with the assets they have acquired, they raise their livestock and sell it to earn income for their households.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Growing up with elders, one acquires some of their virtues and skills, for instance, in livestock rearing. My passion for livestock drove me to purchase an additional dairy cow to the one I currently have, and I am excited that the transfers were a savior. I spent $300 on purchasing a dairy cow for milk production for my family of four as well as income for the household. When it sires, I will sell the calves once they grow and, hence, pay school fees for my children. I currently sell 7 liters of milk for $2.8 daily, which all cater to food for the household since I am still paying for a loan I used on purchasing a motorcycle, which I have since hired someone to ride. For the rest of the transfers, I spent on fencing the compound, clothes, and food for the household.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($419 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
While carrying a passenger on my motorcycle taxi as part of my routine, I received a message from GiveDirectly. Since I was occupied with the passenger, I didn't immediately check the message, but later at around 6:00 pm, I found out that I had received the first transfer. I felt excited upon realizing this and tried to contact my spouse, who was also attempting to reach me to inquire about the receipt. I promised to return home earlier that day so that we could discuss our plans for the funds.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
After receiving the initial transfer from GiveDirectly, the most significant change in your daily life has been the newfound financial stability and freedom that allowed you to invest in two dairy cows, resulting in an abundant supply of milk for your family of four. This additional milk supply has not only improved your daily nutrition but has also presented you with opportunities to sell any excess milk for additional income. You have also been able to share the milk with your mother, who previously had to purchase it. You express gratitude to GiveDirectly for their generous support, which has positively impacted your daily life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Having a family of four, I found buying milk from the neighborhood on a daily basis to be a costly affair since I didn't have my own cow. However, upon receiving the first transfer, I was delighted to spend $500 on purchasing two lactating cows, which completely resolved the problem of buying milk. This new addition not only provided enough milk for my family but also allowed us to share some with my mother. Before the transfer, I relied on the motorcycle taxi business, which I obtained on credit and had to pay $4 daily. To make ends meet, I had to work beyond my usual hours to make extra money for my family's upkeep. However, since receiving the transfer, my household costs have reduced, and I am no longer under as much financial strain. I utilized the remaining funds to buy foodstuff for my family.
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Receiving this money means a comfortable life for my family of five. We live in a single house that acts as kitchen, living and sleeping area. It is very small to accommodate visitors and also there is a lack of privacy. I desire to own a three-roomed iron sheet house where my daughters and son can have a bedroom of their own and also host visitors. I have been trying to save money from my motorcycle business to build a good house but it will take me three years before I can't get enough. Give directly has come at the right time because I can be able to own a good house eventually. I am happy because my family will be sleeping well under an iron sheet roof compared to a grass-thatched house. At the same time I will purchase a water storage tank that can be helpful to store rain water which we can use for drinking and home consumption.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Six months ago, I took a motorcycle on hire-purchase basis from a microfinance bank. After paying a down payment of $200, I pay $3 each day. Even though paying this has been challenging as there are days where I earn less that that amount, I am happy because once I am done repaying the loan in 2024, I will earn a better income from it.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Six months ago, I took a motorcycle on hire-purchase basis from a microfinance bank. After paying a down payment of $200, I pay $3 each day. Paying this amount has been challenging as there are days where I earn less that that amount. As a result meeting the basic needs for my family such as food has not been consistent. Sometimes when food is not enough, we forego for the children while me and my wife sleep hungry.
