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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 > Kiptonui's Profile
Kiptonui's family
Kiptonui
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
69
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($421 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 plan to build a better house since the one I have at the moment is old and dilapidated. It is not conducive to living in. When it rains it gives me and my family a lot of trouble since it lets water in and so it becomes cold and when there is intense heat sun during the day it is extremely hot. So it is not conducive to living in it. My main aspiration, therefore, is to be able to look for finances to enable me to realize the dream of having a better house.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does well in community engagement. Their staff is well trained to understand everyone and serve them with dignity regardless of their low social status. They do they work with respect, they do not harass people, and were very patient with us even when we asked them several questions. While doing their job too they do not discriminate against anyone in the village. Give directly should emphasize the need for people to spend their transfer well since others might waste their lifetime opportunity like this.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am sick, old and indisposed. My legs are feeble and have failed me, I can hardly move, I walk with difficulty assisted by a walking stick. It is against this backdrop that I decided to purchase sheep for keeping, I used KES 20000 to purchase the 4 sheep. The sheep multiply very fast and it brings wealth within a short time and that informed my decision. My plan is to sell offsprings once they mature and use the proceeds for treatment since I have to attend to medication regularly. They are doing good at the moment and I am happy about them, 2 have given birth. I have since sold one to seek treatment at Makimeny health centre.Since I cannot engage in any meaningful income generation activity because of my situation, sheep farming will come handy and through their sales, I will be ensured of continued medical attention that I regularly need.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($466 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my transfer, I vividly recall that it was around 6 am. I was at the shopping centre enjoying a cup of tea in a local hotel when I overheard people talking about the receipt of their initial transfer. I immediately rushed into my pocket, where I crab my phone, Upon checking I realised that I had received money from GiveDirectly. I was overwhelmed with joy and happiness. This was the best news that came my way thus I was so grateful and happy.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that GiveDirectly gave me a chance for me to improve my living standards. I was able to initiate a goat rearing project which I am hoping would sustain my family financially. The cost of living is very high at the moment, a bag of maize sales at KES 8000 which is too high for us to afford. But, I am glad and relieved that this was possible with the transfer that I got. Thus I am forever grateful for the support that brought so much happiness to our lives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving money from GiveDirectly was the best Gift in my life. I am a local businessman in the village, but what I earn is not enough because at my age I had developed complications in my legs. I used my initial transfer in starting a goat rearing business where I used KES 25,000. Secondly, I used 6000 on farming and finally, I used the remaining amount on foodstuffs. I was unable to purchase all these before due to financial constraints but I am grateful and happy for the support that uplifted my living standard amazingly.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
We have always endeavored to build another house since the one we have is single-roomed and cannot comfortably accommodate us. We feel ashamed not to have managed to build a bigger and better house yet we are now aged people with grandchildren who visit us regularly. In that regard, I will about KES 45, 000 to build another room.
What is the happiest part of your day?
About two months ago, we harvested two sacs (90kgs) of maize from our 0.3 acres of land. This has been the main source of joy for us because we have been food-secured since then.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Suffering from arthritis is the biggest problem that I am facing. As a parent and the main breadwinner for my family, this ailment has rendered me less productive. I am worried that we might face a food shortage in our house.