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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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Enrollment
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Completed
Newsfeed > Kalume's Profile
Kalume's family
Kalume
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
55
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($440 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The goal I am now working toward is to purchase bulls for plow work. These bulls will be used for both professional and domestic plows. Since the majority of people in our area live off of agriculture, I will be able to do well during the rainy seasons. To do this, I want to sell at least two of my cows so that I may purchase the plowing bulls and the necessary plowing equipment.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
To me, GiveDirectly is impeccable! They have changed not just my life but also the lives of others and their families, as I have witnessed. All I could ask was for them to continue doing this for many years to come and to attempt to include as many deserving individuals as they can.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon getting the second transfer, I saw it wise to build a house for my five boys. I opted to construct the house because mine was too small and congested to accommodate them bearing in mind that they are no longer kids. For a while, They used to seek shelter from friends, something that did not give me peace of mind, thus, the decision I made. The cost of all the materials plus the labor cost was $300. I also bought them a big bed and a mattress for $110 since they had none and they used to sleep on the floor. As of now, I am happy since my children have a nice place to sleep compared to before and they no longer go to friends seeking accommodation. For the remaining amount, I bought some food.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($467 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I heard the news about the transfer from my relatives who were rejoicing for receiving my transfer. I was preparing myself to go to the field to look after my cows a job that I had depended on to raise my family of 8 members. After confirming my account balance, I felt very happy when I saw that I had received the transfer in my account.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is that I currently have an alternative source of income for the family. Previously, I was only doing animal rearing which could not earn me enough income.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I partnered with my elder and contributed KES 30,000 and KES 50000 respectively for the transfer. We intended to purchase a power saw that was costing KES 80,000 to use for logging as well as prepare timber for sale. This was for making timbers for selling them which earns me a reliable source of living. Nowadays, I am able to earn at least KES 2000 per day an income that is helping me meet my desires. In addition, I used KES 5000 to purchase proper bedding for my son, he was sleeping on a worn-out one and always complained of body pains. Similarly, I used KES 10,000 to support the education of my 4 children who are still in primary school. For the remaining amount, I bought sufficient food for the family.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have six children who are in primary school. Every term I am supposed to pay 1,200 KES for each child as school fees. They are now on a holiday though I have school fee arrears amounting to 4,000 KES which I am supposed to clear before next term. This has made me struggle a lot financially as I am the sole breadwinner. Receiving this money means clearing all the school fee arrears as well as paying all the next term fees. I will use the remaining amount on food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The completion of polytechnic studies of my fourth-born brought joy and happiness to me as I know the burden of ever paying school fees for him is now gone and I am hoping he will get a job soon so that he can support me in taking care of some of the family expenses.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have a family of eleven people and my house cannot accommodate them all. Some are seeking refuge from neighbours. Lack of food. The prolonged drought has made my life difficult as the maize I planted all dried up.