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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 > Kahindi's Profile
Kahindi's family
Kahindi
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
37
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($450 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Agriculture is the mainstay in my area. We often rely on land and livestock as primary assets for livelihood. Lately, with the harsh weather, it is hard to rely on farming. Currently, the weather has changed and my main goal is to have a piece of land and practice farming and keep goats and cows. My employer has been struggling to pay my weekly wages and I would like to employ myself soon.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly is the reason that I paid part of my wife’s dowry, which has allowed me to start over again after a hard time. I appreciate the funds enabled me to renovate my house and furnish it to accommodate my new wife and new life. I am grateful and my request would be for the organization to continue with a great job and reach out to many who have similar problems to mine.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am without children and unemployed. I have been earning a living working as a herdsman. I have wanted to settle down and start my family as I am of age. I have been living in a small thatched house that was almost crumbling, but my financial situation could not allow me to rebuild my house nor pay the dowry for the woman I sought to be my wife. When I got enrolled in the program, my first transfer was used to renovate my home and the rest was used to pay a dowry for my wife. Unfortunately, she left me and I was back to my old life as a bachelor. As time moved on, I found myself another woman, and with the second transfer; I bought a bed and a mattress which was $100. I bought two goats and a calf for $170. I used $250 in the introductory ceremony with my in-laws regarding having a new wife. I was grateful and content to start a life as a married man.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($465 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
As I was relaxing at home at around 5 pm from the field taking care of my livestock, I heard a message coming into my phone. I did not haste to check since the phone was in my hands. Upon checking, the first glance of the eye hit the figure KES 55000.00. I became keener and I realized that I had received the money from GiveDirectly. My heart melted in thanksgiving for receiving such a huge amount of money at once.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is that, I had stayed in the bachelor bracket passed the expected time for an African man because I could not even cater to my own life fully. I thank GiveDirectly or they enabled me to get a companion through the transfer that they sent me. I can not tell whether if it were not for the organization I would have married.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For several years, I had been sleeping on a mat on the floor since I did not have a bed. On getting the money I opted to end this situation completely thus, I bought a bed and a mattress for KES 9000.00. I also bought solar lights for light provision because buying paraffin every day was very expensive for me which forced me to be in the dark at night. Thereafter, I decided to get a helper because I had no wife. I got married and used KES 20000.00 to pay part of the dowry to mark the start of a long journey. For the remaining amount, I reserved for the family upkeep.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Completing my house was my priority upon getting money. I planned to buy a door and add room for I think the one-room house will not be spacious upon getting a wife. My casual jobs cannot sustain all my needs including a better shelter. These transfers therefore will be of help. With 30000 KES, this will be possible.
What is the happiest part of your day?
For a long time, I have been seeking shelter from my neighbors. I am happy that It has not been the same for the past three months. I sold my cow and build a house which is halfway to its completion but I have hopes that all will be well.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
At my age, it is shameful not to have a wife. It is not a choice but the circumstances forced me to. My job of looking after cattle in the neighborhood can not give room for savings for dowry. I have been lonely and the only thing I look forward to is getting a wife to start a family.