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 > Mutai's Profile
Mutai's family
Mutai
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labour
faceAge:
26
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53075 KES ($530 USD)
access_time over 5 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 in that I have enough milk for my family and no longer buy milk as I used to do in the past. I can thus save the money I could have used to buy milk and used to meet other family basic needs. I am also living in a decent spacious iron roofed house which can accommodate all my family members comfortably. I used part of my first transfer to buy a sewing machine for my wife and this has boosted the income from her tailoring business since in the past she used to hire the machine and this was expensive. She can now help me provide some of the family basic needs.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Give Directly does well by educating the community members about the organisation and their programs before they begin the enrollment. In my opinion, I do not see anything that Give Directly does not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I used my second transfer to build a new kitchen. I was living in a small grass-thatched kitchen and it was also leaking during the rainy season. I also bought a dairy cow since I have been struggling for many years to buy milk for my family and this was costly since I earn little money from casual jobs. At times my family could take black tea when I did not get money to buy milk and used to worry me a lot. I am now happy since I have enough milk for my family. I also bought hybrid maize seeds since I have never planted quality seeds because I could afford. This will thus ensure enough food for my family in the next harvest season.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($548 USD)
access_time over 6 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my life is that we have a good house to live in.I lived in a grass thatched house that would become weak soon and I did not have a means to repair it.I would have been hard hustle but am so happy that I have now build along lasting iron sheet roofed house.Thank you so much Give Directly.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 6 O'clock in the evening when I received the message confirming that I have received money from GD.I was repairing a gate but stopped immediately and began plans on how to spend the money well.My wife and I were so elated .We had a very good evening.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent the first transfer on building a house and bought a cow.I bought timber and roofing sheets and paid for the construction labor.I then bought sheep to keep in my farm,clothes fro my family and food.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 6 years ago
 
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
It was immediately after my wife gave birth to our second born child in 18th,October 2013 when my wife fell ill. She was diagnosed with heart problem. Having to take care of both the newborn and the mother in hospital for almost a month was the biggest hardship I've faced in my life. I depended on well wishes for financial support since I had no source of money. It was a difficult moment but I thank God for His Grace. My wife is better now.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day because it is at this moment that I rest assured that I've completed the day's task.Being able to bring something home at the end of the day is always a nice feeling.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a better life, good education to my children,and better health care. I will be in a position to cater for my family and their future needs and I thank GD for this initiative.