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 ($493 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 than it would have been if I never received my transfer in that I am living a better life. Through the transfer, I was able to accomplish my desire of improving my farming by acquiring oxen and an ox-plough. Previously, I was using my hands which was very slow and time-consuming which result in to low harvest. Furthermore, I am sleeping on proper and comfortable beddings something that had reclaimed the happiness in the family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in transferring cash directly to my phone. Through the transfer, I was able to accomplish many development projects that seemed impossible.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my second transfer to purchase proper beddings including a modern bed and mattress for Ksh.13,000. This is because we were using the traditional bed and an old mat as bedding which was comfortable to sleep on. I was constantly feeling backache in the morning something was negatively impacted my day-to-day work performance. In addition, I supported my mother-in-law to complete the construction of her house by purchasing 8 iron sheets and nails. By doing this, it has strengthened our bond. I also purchased a solar system for lighting my house. Lastly, I bought sufficient food with the remaining amount of the transfer.
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 9 in the morning when I was at the farm then my phone rang. It was an indication that there was an incoming message. On checking, I realized it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy and I remember I left whatever I was doing and started planning how I would use the money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
As a farmer, I have been longing to own a pair of oxen but due to financial difficulties, I could not afford to buy them. Therefore having them in my compound makes the biggest difference. I am now positive that I will be getting plenty of harvests simply because the pair take a few days to plug an acre compared to when I used to do the exercise by myself. Currently, I will no longer spend anything in order to cultivate. Also, I will be hiring them to my neighbors at fee and generate an income.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying a pair of oxen worthy of KES 40000. these were basically for my agricultural activities. In addition to that, I bought a solar panel specifically to light my house at night because initially, I was using candles which were a bit costly. Also, I am using the solar panel to charge my mobile phone and those of my neighbors at a fee. With the remaining amount of money, I bought sufficient foodstuffs for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means food security for me and my family. I intend to buy a pair of oxen and an ox plough at a cost of 42,000 shillings to help me speed up production in my farm and get more yields. This is because I will be able to cover my 1 acre farm in just 3 days compared to manual ploughing that takes upto a week. The remaining balance will go into improving my house and stock up food as I wait for harvesting time in December.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My day starts early with household chores, followed by preparation of meals for the day and finally going to the farm till late in the evening. My happiest moment is in the morning because the household chores are not as energy draining compared to work in the farm which is quite a daunting task.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is my biggest worry. This is mainly because the farm has become unproductive coupled with low rainfall in the past season. I have to dig deep into my pockets to buy food from retail shops as I wait for my plants to mature. With an income of 2500 shillings a month, it is almost impossible to eat all three meals in a day.
