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 > Kazungu's Profile
Kazungu's family
Kazungu
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
46
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($433 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?
I would wish in the near future to buy two dairy cows, milk them and have my wife sell the milk as her business. This would in the future allow me to provide a better life for my kids than we can currently offer.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly make dreams come true. The fact that they offered these funds and need nothing in return, is a testimony to just how big their hearts are. I would pray that they continue to bless countless others as they have done us
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Maize and cassava farming has been my main job, with the occasional casual job on construction sites, for a while now. So you can imagine the boost that GiveDirectly gave me in achieving my goals by sending me the transfers. I started building a 3-bedroom house when I received the first transfer and completed it with the second. Food was also on the purchase list, but the majority went to school fees. I sent my child to college. Between what my wife makes selling omena and mandazi at her kibanda and what I manage to scrape together, we would have been unable to pay for the college course my 3rd child is taking hairdressing course and for which we are paying $80 a year. She lives in Munaranii, where she goes to school. We have another who just completed class 8, two in grade 3, one in grade 2, and the last born is yet to start school. Their tuitions are $10, $8 each for the two in the same grade, and $5 for the youngest in school, respectively. My first two kids are looking for jobs, meaning we would have had no one to assist us financially to cover these expenses were it not for GiveDirectly stepping in. They truly have changed our lives for the better.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($473 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 8 in the morning when I was on my way to attend a seminar in the neighbouring village. Suddenly, I saw a message notification on my mobile phone. Upon checking, I confirmed that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I was overjoyed with happiness and knowing that I will achieve most of my goals including purchasing better beddings. even had to go back home and informed my family members of the great news.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now sleep in a cool environment. For so many years, I have been sleeping on some of the old mats with were never comfortable. Life used to be very tough during those days. This is because I was always attacked by jiggers and other harmful insects whereby I would get sick as a result. Apart from that, I could complain regularly of the back pains every morning and sometimes and sometimes I failed to perform my daily duties. Besides, there was no privacy at all because we used to share the beddings with some of my children. I had been wishing to at least purchase the mattress but this was not achievable because of my finances. I have been relying on the charcoal business which was not lucrative to fend for my family. This is evident that it would take years for me to buy the modern beddings. Am so grateful that GiveDirectly came at the right time for our rescue, because were it not for them, we would still be suffering.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer buying a modern wooden bed at KES 9500 and a mattress at KES 8000. For over seven years j has been sleeping on the traditional beds which were made of ropes and the old mats which served as a mattress. I was not comfortable at all since I have been experiencing back pains. Also, I paid the college fees of KES 10000 for my son who was recently enrolled in a driving course. I am so happy that he will now be studying without any disturbances. Also, I am grateful because if it were not for the financial support, he would still be at home. With the remaining amount of money, I have been buying food for my twelve family members and settling other minor debts.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
It is only a matter of time before my house comes tumbling down. I look at it as a ticking time bomb. It started breaking mid last year and it keeps getting worse. My priority would be to put up another house and demolish this one. It could cost more than both transfers but I will work hard in my charcoal business to raise what will have remained. I am pretty excited at the thought. I cannot wait to transition.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Amidst the financial struggle, I strive to educate my children. I would like to see them attain degrees so I will keep working hard towards that.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Poverty! I could almost change my surname to poverty. I have so many responsibilities like school fees, food, I need to build another house, my children are walking around in tattered clothes you name it. The money I make from selling charcoal is not enough to cater to all these needs. I am poor and that's my main challenge.