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 ($491 USD)
access_time 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 has changed in two ways, one is about a house which I managed to construct with my first transfers and secondly, about the livestock which I now own as a result of the transfers received.
Before, we were living in two small houses which were too squeeze for us to live in. But I am glad that now we have a two roomed house which is more spacious.
Again, I am so proud that every day I woke up and go out to look after my livestock. I thank GiveDirectly for changing my life as I couldn't afford all these as I use to struggle with casual jobs so as to meet my family basic needs.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly is a very unique organization, in that they gave us unconditional cash. These enabled us to plan for it and spend on what we choose unlike others which fund specific projects. Again, they did good by giving us lump sum amounts which was enough to improve our livelihood.
On the other hand, I didn't notice anything which wasn't done well as they were giving each household equal opportunity to be enrolled.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My second transfers which I received from GiveDirectly, I invested a large portion on buying livestock. I spent a total of KES 48000 on buying a lactating cow, heifer and a sheep. I had no livestock before and when I got the money, I saw it was a high time to have some so that we would have some milk for use at home and for sale. All along I use to spend alot on buying milk but am happy now this has stopped. I bought a sheep so that it act as a living asset . Sheep matures faster and reproduce three times a year and hopefully, I will be having many of them in the coming years. I would be able to sell some incase of an emergency.
The remaining portion of approximately KES 4000, I spent on buying maize for consumption and other foodstuffs for my family. I am glad that GiveDirectly enabled me to acquire all these which I couldn't afford on my own.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($494 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 6am and I was about to get out of bed when I saw the transfer message. I was very excited that I rushed to the kitchen to tell my wife who was preparing breakfast and she stopped first to rejoice and thanked God.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I now have a bigger house as compared to the one I used to live in before thanks to GiveDirectly. My kitchen was leaking and it was grass thatched and very small. Masons are now finalizing on the last details of the house and we shall be moving in in no time. The heifer I bought is a future investment for my milk for my family. I will always be grateful to GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I built a house of 25 iron sheets since the one I had was smaller. I bought a heifer, clothes for my children and wife and 2 bags of maize.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that we shall afford to own a cow as a family. In our family, we value cattle keeping because it is a source of prestige and a sign of wealth. The little income that I obtain from my casual work is barely enough for our family's demands and needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when I am returning home from my casual work carrying some food for my family. This means that we shall have some food to share as a family because we have no food stock at home.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
In the year 2018 just after working for only six months as a security guard in Nairobi, I was arrested and fined because some of the things were stolen in an area under my jurisdiction. Accordingly, I had to sell the only cow that we had to suffice the fine. Besides, I lost my job due to the unfortunate incident and I have never secured any other reliable source of income.
