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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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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Richard's Profile
Richard's family
Richard
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Raising livestock
faceAge:
56
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($466 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Building a house for the goats is the new goal that I did not have before receiving the transfer. I had thought of building one before but I had no money. When I received the transfer I decided to build one because this was one of the the main challenge that I was going through. I am so happy because GiveDirectly enabled me to fulfilled this on time.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does well by conducting a training and enrolling without any discrimination. Most of the people received the transfer and spent it well. I do not find anything that GiveDirectly did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 6,000 to pay debt that I had borrowed from a friend. I had always wished to settle this but I had no money. I feel so relieved now since I do not have any debt pending. I spent KES 22,000 to build a spacious house for my goats. I have a project of goats rearing and the housing was one of my big challenge. Goats need a spacious and good house. I had build one but it was so small and the were squeezed. I used the transfer on purchasing building materials and build a better. The rest of the money I spent on food, clothes and household items which we were lacking. I am so grateful for the support because GiveDirectly has improved our living standards and enabled us to fulfilled our dreams.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 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 early in the morning when I met with one of my neighbors along the road and he inquired if I had received the transfer from GiveDirectly as well as he was on his way to withdraw his. Upon hearing this, I immediately went back home as I had left my phone to charge. I became so excited after confirming that I was among those who had received the cash as it gave me hope that my daughter would finally be allowed to sit for her eximinations as I would be able to clear her fee arrears.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I have been having a goal of starting a poultry project ever since and in preparation to this, I had already started looking for market where I will be supplying eggs. Even though I had no funds to use in starting this project, I knew that God would soon make a way and currently, I can see light at the end of the tunnel. This is because I am planning to spend my next transfer to purchase some chicken as their house will be ready by then. This has made my daily life different as I now work tirelessly towards achieving this as I know that this project will be more demanding especially the first few months.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Seeing my children excel in life has been my priority and due to this, I have always ensured that I support them in their education by paying their school fees on time. Recently, I was so worried on how to get money to use in paying school fees for my daughter who was about to sit for her end of semester examinations. I am glad that the transfer came on time as I was able to spend KES 32400 to clear her school fees arears. In addition, I spent KES 6000 to buy food and other hold necessities for my family. I am planning to use the remaining KES 16000 to purchase some timber and iron sheets to use in building a house for my goats. I settled on this so that I will convert their current house to be a chicken coop as I am planning to start a poultry project.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
We have been yearning to start poultry farming for commercial purposes since it is a profitable venture in our area. Precisely, there exists a ready market for poultry products including eggs and meat. Since we have been focusing on educating our children, we have never afforded to raise the required capital for the project. So, receiving this money means we shall venture into the business to increase our income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when I am taking my livestock to their shed after ensuring that they are well-fed. Since livestock serves as our main source of livelihood, I am always focused on keeping them healthy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Regular dry seasons in our area act as the biggest hardship I have faced as a dairy farmer. At times I could incur huge costs searching for animal feeds when such unfavorable conditions prevail. Unfortunately, some of our livestock would starve to death. As such, I have been forced to raise a relatively small number of livestock that we can manage to sustain.