GDLive Newsfeed
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.
Stages:
 
Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Tom's Profile
Tom's family
Tom
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labour
faceAge:
53
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($522 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Currently, my life has really taken a different shape since I have a whole acre of sugar cane plantation that is under my name which makes a huge difference. I am sure of a good harvest that will translate to a good income as well. Before I could dream of achieving my goals but the best I ever had was casual jobs which its earnings were meager hence could barely serve for my day to day household expenses . This brought about conflict with my spouse who felt I was not doing extra in order to make their life comfortable . Today, we are staying harmoniously since there is no longer much struggles on buying food and taking care of my family's daily needs. Thanks to GiveDirectly.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
First and foremost , GiveDirectly fulfilling their promise was what stood out over all that their work was outstanding. Secondly, conduction follow up on the beneficiaries mitigated loss of most recipients' transfers as their call center agents did reminders on Mpesa pin secure. I do not see what GiveDirectly did not do well at their work.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent part of my second transfer on planting sugarcane in my one acre of land . I have always hoped that some day I would be engage in such activities like my other neighbors who have benefited from this project. Therefore, I decided to commence the plantation of sugarcane . They are almost ready and I am happy that I have something that will bring money in a few months to come. This money will be helpful in building a new house. The remaining amount I bought food for my family's consumption.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($535 USD)
access_time almost 6 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that l am now sleeping on a very comfortable place as compared to before.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment l received the transfer l was very that l could not sleeping, l woke up very early to go and withdraw the money.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent most of the transfer to pay dowry to my in laws, l am now very happy and proud because l am now sure she is my wife. I also spent the transfer to buy bed and mattress, l am now sleeping on a very comfortable place as compared to before when I was sleeping on a mart. The remaining balance l spent to buy furniture and l am now sitting on a very nice comfortable furniture as compared to before when l was using water container as a furniture.
 
Enrolled
access_time 6 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a great change in my life because my wife abandoned me because I had no money to pay her dowrey I am therefore going to buy two cows and some little money and pay for her dowrey, the remaining cash on the first transfer I will use to improve my furniture. The second transfer from Givedirectly, I will use to hire land and plant vegetables that we would sell to get money to meet our needs, doing this will enable us buy a generator so that we become all season vegetable producers.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is usually in the evening after a long day of toiling in the farms weeding or cutting sugarcane to earn money that I use to buy food. Having something to eat cases great joy to me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced was last year when my wife abandoned our home carrying away everything that we had bought together including beddings. She openly accused me before my immediate neighbors that I was not able to provide her needs and she would not come back unless I paid her dowrey.