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.
Stages:
 
Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Samuel's Profile
Samuel's family
Samuel
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Raising livestock
faceAge:
55
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($465 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?
Currently, I have five children, all in secondary school, and paying their school fees is still a challenge. I am working hard every day to ensure that I keep them studying without being disturbed in their studies. I don't have any new goals, but I am stuck in the course of making my children realize their dreams in the education sector. I have been dependent on assets selling that which include livestock, farm produce, and also trees.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The approach by GiveDirectly, where every household was visited and given a chance to listen and understand the project's dynamics before enrolling in it. This was a work well done in my opinion since no authority in the government was used in relaying this information. The money was later channeled directly to the recipients. I have no complaint at all in the whole operation but I feel that all was and is still being carried out well by GiveDirectly within the village.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
On receiving the second transfer, I had to ensure that the school, fees for the running term for my five children were fully paid. I deposited KES30000 to their school accounts that have kept them studying all through to the end of the term. I am glad that their grades have been improving with time since they have not been experiencing any disturbance like before. I also spent KES 10000 on foodstuff for my family of 11 and the remaining KES 13000 on clothing for every family member who needed a pair. I am happy that everyone in my family has been thankful for the support that was timely in settling all the financial obligations we had.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($496 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at my workplace busy with my daily activities, it was around 9 am when I heard my phone ringing, upon checking I saw a message showing that I had received money from GiveDirectly, I was so overwhelmed with joy that I stopped all that I was doing, then rushed home, upon reaching home I informed my wife of the good news, she was equally happy and excited, this was the happiest day in our lives and I am grateful for the support that brought so much joy and happiness in our lives.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is that I was able to renovate my house easily and in a short period, I was unable to complete it before due to financial constraints, In addition, that, I cleared the school arrears of my two children, meaning that they would be able to study comfortably, I am grateful for the support that amazingly changed our lives positively.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I was promised the transfer, I thought of putting down a ready plan so that I would be able to spend my money efficiently and effectively, therefore when I received my transfer I followed the script that I had for easy planning, therefore, I used KES 20,000 in renovating my house, I then used, KES 10,000 in paying school fees for my two children, lastly, I bought foodstuffs with the remaining part of the transfer, I am so happy that I was able to realise my goals in a very short period which I was unable to achieve due to financial constraints because I am a casual labourer.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a watchman at Chepkosa primary school.I earn a little amount of money which does not sustain my family in terms of food as well as paying few for my kids.So receiving this money will enable me to buy two cows worth sh 60000.I shall sell milk and save the money in order to pay school fees for my children and also use the money I get from milk sale to buy household items such as food , clothes.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day because am always satisfied after taking my super.I hardly take lunch during the day because I transport water to various houses using my cart
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial constraint is the biggest challenge I have faced. we have sold most of our cattle to pay school fees for our three kids who are in secondary school. I have gone to an extent of carrying water to people homestead using the donkey cart to get some income.