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 ($525 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The biggest difference in my life since I received the transfer is that I have my own cow now. This has been my dream for the last two years and I could not achieve on my own income from casual work. I knew when I have a cow, I will be having a good investment which is easier to keep and its value increasing on a daily basis. When the cow reproduces, I will have a good number which will elevate me from my poverty level. Right now, the cow has reproduced and I get milk on a daily basis which I sell to earn me an extra income as well as for family consumption.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GD did so well in giving transfers to villagers only. Those who used to dwell outside the village were not given the transfers which really showed equality to the ones in the village. I do not see anything which GD is not doing well. They should just keep up the good work.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my second transfer on buying a cow. It has been my desire to own a cow just like my neighbours but due to low income, I could not manage to buy one with my own income from casual work. I just had to admire and pray one day I will get mine. When GD came and promised to give us the transfers, I did not believe it until I received my first transfers. When the second transfer came, I first bought a cow to fulfil my dream. The cow is not only a dream but an investment for my family. The other part of the transfer I used on medication when I was sick and admitted. The transfer helped me sort the hospital bills. I also used it to buy household items such as utensils and food which I felt we needed.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($542 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
Having a contaminated water source mostly in the dry season has always lead to high cost in purifying water that needs to be consumed. For this reason, I have acquired a water tank which at the moment helps in harvesting rainwater which has brought about the biggest difference in my daily life. I have easy access to clean water at a lowered cost. This has lead to a reduction in fecal-oral diseases that might result from usage of contaminated water. Secondly, I purchased a dairy cow. In a few month's time, I will no longer buy milk from my neighbors since it will have reproduced because it is paged right now .
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I got an Mpesa message in the morning that confirmed GiveDirectly had sent my first bunch of money . I was very happy since I knew the money will help me to solve some of my unresolved problems that needed money .
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent 32, 000 KES of my first transfer to buy a dairy cow which is almost giving birth to a young one . In a few month, I am certain that I will have milk from it and an addition of livestock . The remaining amount I bought a water tank to harvest clean rain water .
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means realizing my wish of owning a cow for milking which i will buy with ksh 40000 of my transfer hence investing the ksh 60 I use to buy milk daily in a local savings group, and I will also be selling some milk to generate income. I will also spend ksh 25000 to build a kitchen since the one I use currently also serves as a bed room for my visitors. I also intend to fence my compound and add more chicken to my poutry that will supplement income from selling milk
What is the happiest part of your day?
My usual day involves working in my farm in the morning when the weather is still friendly then take a rest in the afternoon. I enjoy working in my farm since I like planting my own crops for family consumption rather than buying food stuff from the market, which makes morning the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Low land productivity in this area is the biggest hardship we face as a result of unpredictable rainfall patterns and crop pests and diseases. As a result, I fully depend on my spouse who works as a casual laborer in a security firm in Nairobi. I am a PSSP( private student) in the university and in my 4th year of studies.He channels 3/4 of his salary in paying my school fees as well as supporting all family needs hence we haven't been able to grow development wise in this family.
