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 > Ruth's Profile
Ruth's family
Ruth
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
22
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($493 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different from how it would have been because, I now sleep in a better environment. Before GiveDirectly came into my life, I used to shelter under a small house that was not in good condition and very small. I used to keep most of my properties under a tree because of the unlimited space and this related to the loss of my properties and some being damaged. Currently, I am sheltering in a big house which is spacious enough to accommodate my family and my belonging. Also with the goats that I also purchased have made my life to be much different as well. I can now proudly say I have assets that I can always depend on in case of any financial constraints or emergency. Also once they multiply I can sell some and start other projects ie a hotel or a kiosk.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well in such a way that the money was sent directly into my Mpesa account. This reduced the theft cases and even bribery because no one knew I had received the money except my family members. Also the I was given enough teachings concerning money and they have really helped me mostly in planing my projects.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying some building materials such as 24 pieces of iron sheets, nails, and timber at a total of 29000. This was purposely for the completion of my house which I had initially started using the first transfer. The previous house was very small and as my family grows I was afraid someday it would not accommodate us all. Also, I paid the laborer KES 6000. In addition, I bought three goats worth KES 9000. With the remaining amount, I bought enough foodstuffs and decent clothes for my children to replace the old ones
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received a message on my phone while I was taking my breakfast. When I read the contents of the message, I could not hold the joy I felt. I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I felt happy because through the transfer, I could now afford to buy a new mattress and a bed among other things.
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 have a decent iron roofed house to live with my family. For many years now, I have depended on charcoal burning from which I was getting little money. Because of the nature of this job, I could not do it daily. Thus every coin from this was just for food. I had no plans of building a decent house since I could not afford to purchase the required materials. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for fulfilling this to me.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent a bigger portion of my first transfer on buying building materials which include building poles, pieces of iron sheets to construct a new iron roofed house. I also paid for the labour cost. I was living in a shanty small house with no hopes of upgrading to a better house due to my lowly financial status. I am happy that I now live in my new decent and spacious house. In addition to this, I also spent the remaining amount to buy a new bed and a mattress. I replaced the old beddings which were old and worn out.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a descent house for my family. I'm planning to use 500 dollars to construct a three bedroom semi-parmanent house. The house will be spacious enough for my family. I'll use a further 250 dollars to furnish my house with the appropriate household items example beddings, tables and cooking utensils among others.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the afternoon. This is because I meet friends in the afternoon who console me and instill some hopes in me that all is going to be well irregardless of the day to day challenges I face.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship in my life is the lack of a descent and spacious house for my family and even visitors. The one bedroom house I own is very much squeezed.