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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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Completed
Newsfeed > Katsele's Profile
Katsele's family
Katsele
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Forestry (e.g rubber tapping)
faceAge:
29
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($478 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?
No, the goals I had are the ones that I implemented after receiving the transfer. I wanted to construct a good house since the one I had was in the verge of collapsing, which I did. I had also desired to rare some cows so as to get some milk for both selling and family use. Initially we I had to go an extra mile for me to get some milk for my little children.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly is doing a wonderful job in coming through for the less advantaged people in our society. As at now people have constructed good houses and bought livestock. Initially, it was rare to find a good house in a homestead. There were no livestock in the area. But currently our society looks wonderful, full of good houses and livestock. Much appreciation to the whole GiveDirectly family for making us feel were are part and parcel of the other human beings who were already well organized before. What I can recommend is that, since the GiveDirectly policy allows a house hold to benefit twice, then I request the organization to link other organizations to come to our areas again for support us so that we can pick from where we left and proceed with our goals.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving the money, I constructed a house since the one I was living in was not in was almost falling apart. I also bought some livestock that is 1 cow and 3 goats. The reason for buying the cow is to get milk for both selling and family use. Unfortunately due to the harsh climatic condition in our area, the cow and one goat died. I also bought some new school uniforms for my 3 primary school children because the older ones were worn-out and full of patches.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($502 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 10 am I was at my usual place of work preparing charcoal for sale. I received continuous message notifications on my phone and upon checking, I realized that it was my transfer. I had to left everything that I was doing and went home to inform the rest of my family members about the good news. Everyone was extremely happy after learning that I had received the transfer that would change our lives for the better.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Living in a decent and comfortable house with my family is the biggest difference in my life. Previously, we were residing in a house that had a leaking roof and a lot of openings in the walls. I had wished to construct a proper one but I lack money to purchase the building materials. My family members were constantly diagnosed with cold-related illnesses because of the condition of the house. Watching them fall sick continuously makes me unhappy.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 24000 to construct a decent shelter for my family by purchasing 20 iron sheets, building poles, and paying labor costs. This is because the house that I had earlier had a leaking roof and a lot of openings in the walls. My family members were constantly diagnosed with cold-related illnesses like pneumonia. Seeing the family members fall sick continuously makes me lack peace of mind, I used all my little savings on their treatment. I also used KES5000 to clear term one fees and purchased a pair of school uniforms for each of my 3 children. Previously, they had to wear casual clothes while going to school something that makes me lose self-esteem. In addition, I used 9000 to start goats rearing a future investment for the children. My plan is to sell them once they reproduce to further the education of my children. The remaining amount assisted me in buying adequate food supplies for the family.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means practising livestock keeping. This has been my longing but due to financial challenges,I have failed to accomplish it. I am planning to spend 60,000 Kenya shillings to purchase 3 indigenous dairy cows. It is going to be long term investment and a source of income to my family, hence I will be able to sell at least 9 litres in a day and make 450 Kenya shillings which is enough to sustain all our needs much as food. Other than that, my house is falling so I will use the remaining part to renovate the mud walls so that we can leave in a decent house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is in the afternoon. It is at this hour when I can work hard and provide for the family needs. Unlike in the evening when I am overworked.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Coming from a polygamous family and the young one, I have faced numerous challenges. I real struggle a lot to cater for the basic needs such as food. Therefore, lack of support from the rest of the family member is my biggest hardship.