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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3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($295 USD)
access_time 12 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My foremost aspiration is to become the proud owner of my own cargo car. Currently relying on a tricycle, I am eager to elevate my business and reach out to a broader customer base. The tricycle has served me well, but the limitations are evident, and a cargo car would significantly enhance my capacity to serve customers efficiently. I envision expanding my reach, delivering products promptly, and ultimately making my business more profitable. The prospect of this upgrade fuels my determination, and I am prepared to work tirelessly to turn this vision into a reality, fostering not just my success but also contributing positively to the communities I serve.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my view, GiveDirectly has truly transformed my life by providing me with unconditional money. The impact has been remarkable—I've been able to invest in assets and significantly boost my business. With the financial support, I expanded my business operations, purchasing necessary equipment and increasing my inventory. This infusion of capital allowed me to take my business to new heights, attracting more customers and generating higher profits. GiveDirectly's initiative has been instrumental in empowering me to build assets and create a sustainable source of income, paving the way for a brighter future for me and my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The recent unconditional cash transfer was a game-changer for me. Determined to invest it wisely, I decided to allocate $350 to purchase a tricycle. This was a strategic move, considering that I used to hire one from a friend to transport my farm products. The expenses were eating into my profits, and the reliability of the hired tricycle was questionable. There were instances where delays resulted in damaged goods, leading to financial losses. Now, with my own tricycle, I not only save on transportation costs but also ensure the timely delivery of my products to customers. The impact has been significant—my income has nearly doubled. From earning approximately $8 before, I now make around $15 per trip. This not only secures my current livelihood but also opens up possibilities for expanding my agricultural ventures. With the remaining amount from the cash transfer, I made sure to secure the well-being of my family of four, including my wife, who actively supports me in our farming activities. I purchased essential food supplies, bringing a sense of stability to our home. This investment not only addresses our immediate needs but also contributes to the overall sustainability of our farm-based livelihood. As I navigate the village roads with our tricycle, I can't help but appreciate how this simple yet impactful decision has transformed not just our transportation logistics but also the prospects for a better future for my family.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($316 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming years and beyond, my primary focus will be on farming activities as I see immense promise in this venture. I am determined to invest my time and efforts into cultivating a thriving agricultural business. My plan is to grow a variety of vegetables, catering to both commercial and domestic purposes. Through dedicated farming, I believe I can achieve not only financial stability but also contribute to the well-being of my community. Selling fresh, locally grown vegetables can serve the needs of my neighbors, while commercial sales will bring in a steady income for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, has done well giving us unconditional transfer whereby we can utilize it depending on our needs and priorities. My village mates have taken the opportunity to invest in essential needs like food, better houses, and businesses. Livestock and agricultural activities have also thrived, contributing to our improved living standards.
I have not noticed that the organization could improve.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The recent transfer has been a true blessing for me and my family,as it enabled us to make significant changes in our lives. With $250 of the funds, I made a smart decision of investing in a generator. This purchase has transformed my farming experience, as I no longer have to lease one from my neighbor at a high cost. Now, I can efficiently pump water into my 1/2 acre of land for irrigation, ensuring my crops flourish and yield abundant harvests.
Additionally, I used $120 to start a goats rearing project that I have been longing for. I purchased three goats, each worth $40, and I am thrilled to see this venture take shape. Goat rearing is known to thrive in our area, and I am confident it will provide a stable source of income for my family of four.
With the last $80, I decided to prioritize my family's well-being. I bought enough food to ensure we are well-nourished, freeing me from the need to seek casual jobs to meet our daily needs. Now, I can fully focus on my farming activities, confident that my family's sustenance is taken care of.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($143 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
When the Mpesa notification message arrived, I was in the shopping center killing time because all of my plans for the day had been abruptly disrupted, and upon reading it, I felt overcome with joy. Food was necessary for my job, and without it, I would be unable to function properly.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
At the present, I am able to acquire whatever I require in order to make this area a better place. Having a place for the goats is something I didn't have before, and the fact that I have to eat every day and do my hard duties as normal makes a big difference.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I work as a casual laborer at a construction site, which requires a lot of energy to carry around the heavy activities, and hunger was one of the reasons my day was disrupted after my employer saw me weak and feeble due to not eating well and decided to have me not work until I regained my strength. Immediately after I received the transfers, I went straight to the food store and purchased food worth $100 to last us a couple of days. I am also looking forward to raising goats, and the first thing I needed to do was find a place for them where they could sleep, so I purchased a $50 chain link fence for the area where I wanted the goats to sleep. Finally, I have a motorcycle, which I use to generate income whenever I do not have any work for the day. I have not serviced it for a while now, and this took $50 to be done. The future looks hopeful now that things are in place to make ends meet and make this place a better place to live, and I am pleased.
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
The transfers have come at a very opportune time. At the moment I'm faced with the challenge of food and therefore, for the first transfers I will purchase food. I plan to buy a bag of maize at $50. This will ensure that I have enough food to sustain us for months. In addition to this, I plan to fence my farm where I plan to do irrigation. I will use about $300 of the transfers. To be able to do irrigation I will also purchase a generator at about $180. This will enable me to grow crops all through the year despite the lack of rain and I will also provide food for my family. For the remaining amount, I plan to purchase 8 goats at $40 each. This will ensure that I have an investment for the future. The transfers will surely change my family's life positively and I'm happy that I'm one of the recipients who will receive the transfers.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiness in the past 6 months has come from the rains which we got for two weeks in March this year. Since we have not had enough rain for the past 3 years I was very glad that it rained. This meant that we shall have enough water for our livestock and also we will be able to grow food on our farms.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Challenges are many in my life, however, the main challenge that is most pressing for me is the lack of food. For the past 3 years, we have not planted any crops on our farms due to prolonged drought. This has led to a lack of food and enough water. We have to depend on relief food from the government together with NGOs and also the casual work we do to be able to purchase food. It is very difficult also to purchase food because of the increase in the cost of living which has made food staffs expensive to purchase. This has forced us to have less food on our plates and even skip some of the meals.