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.
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Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Christopher's Profile
Christopher's family
Christopher
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Other
faceAge:
45
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($461 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The new goal that I have in life is to buy a piece of land since the one that I inherited from my parents is only three points. After leaving a small section as our compound, two points remained and we usually plant maize for our consumption. This always lasts us up to a month then we start the hustle of buying maize flour on a daily basis. Since I do not have funds to use in achieving this, I am planning to join a merry-go-round group where I can be saving. I know that life will not be easy but I am willing to make a sacrifice since GiveDirectly has already helped us a lot in achieving some of our goals.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in aspects of operations. First, they fulfilled their promise on the transfer timings and amount and did not restrict us on how to spend it. In addition, they enlightened us about the Mpesa security and this played a major role in safeguarding our transfer. I do not see anything that it did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used KES 30000 from my second transfer to buy the remaining building materials mainly timber, nails, doors, windows, and KES 3500 on labor for the construction of our house since I had already purchased 24 pieces of iron sheets using my first transfer. In addition, I spent KES 7000 on beddings to replace the old ones that we were using, KES 750 to buy a storage container that I will use in storing clean water for use, and KES 7000 on food for my family. Building a decent house for my family had been my desire since we were living in an old grass-thatched house. Its roof was always leaking during the rainy season and my children used to sleep in their grandmother's house so that we could have our privacy as parents. I work on people's farms for pay and I had not been able to save up for the construction of a house since I usually spend everything that I earn on our food and on paying school fees for our three children. I am happy that we now live in a bigger house and my children nowadays sleep at home courtesy of GiveDirectly.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($485 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home when I received the message confirming receipt of my first cash transfer. I was so excited and had to inform my other family members who were equally excited since they had also received the same. We all thanked God and Give directly for delivering what they had promised.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the construction of of a new spacious house.I am happy that during rainy season I can sleep well without being rained on.I also appreciate the fact I have heifer which will soon produce adequate milk for my entire family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the great plans that I had, I commenced with the purchase of a heifer at a cost of Kshs.29,000.I used to buy one liter of milk per day for fifty shillings which was a struggle since I did have a daily stream of finances. I am happy that in a few months,it will calf and we will be able to have a surplus of milk for consumption. I also spent Kshs.15,000 in constructing a new house since we use to stay in a roomed grass thatched housed which used to serve as a kitchen and a bedroom.Lastly, I spent the remaining amount in buying clothes and food for my house hold members and saved some amount as well for any urgent need.
 
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I live in an old, dilapidated grass-thatched house that is leaking in almost every part. This forces me to keep shifting my beddings from one corner to the other whenever there is rain. I am a locksmith here in the village and on a good day I can repair 3-4 padlocks. This earns me KES 150-200 every single day which is all spent on buying food leaving me with no savings. I plan to spend KES 20000 to build a 22-iron sheet house. Receiving this money will enable me to have a better house that is warm enough for me to sleep in.
What is the happiest part of your day?
One month ago I got news that GiveDirectly is coming to our village. This has raised hopes that for once my problems are going to find solutions and this has been my source of happiness
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Separating with my wife 10 years ago has been the biggest challenge I have had to face. To make the situation worse she took away my five children and for all that time I have not had an opportunity to meet them. This has brought so much loneliness in my life and many at times depression. I feel like my life is meaningless without my loved ones. I have gone for them but my father-in-law has always told me to pay dowry amounting to KES 70000 in order for me to have them.