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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.
Stages:
 
Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Samwel's Profile
Samwel's family
Samwel
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Shopkeeper
faceAge:
58
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($492 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?
Before, I was living a stressful life as a parent as I couldn't afford to pay school fees for my child. After receiving my transfers, I was able to pay school fees. Now I can afford to concentrate on farming.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did very well by selecting our village. We were living in poverty but GiveDirectly came to our rescue and supported us. For me, I didn't see anything that wasn't done well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My recent transfers which I received from GiveDirectly, I spent KES 25000 on buying a dairy cow for milk production. I then bought 3 sheep at a cost of KES 6000. The remaining amount, I spent KES 9000 on buying 3 sacks of maize for consumption and KES 5000 on buying clothes for my children. I invested Kes 8000 on adding stock to my shop so that I would earn some profit.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($494 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I heard a commotion in my neighbourhood and heard others saying that transfers had been sent. Upon checking my phone, I confirmed that the transfer had been received and went ahead to tell my children. I thanked God and DiveDirectly and right now I am still grateful to GiveDirectly.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I have been able to construct a kiosk and stocked it. From the sales that I make, I am able to increase the stock since I was able to buy food from the transfer for my children hence money made from business is ploughed back to the business. I make a lot of sales since my customers have money from the transfer and the festive season is here. There is no one buying on credit as they used to before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I built a small kiosk and bought a new stock for the kiosk. I ploughed an acre of land and planted maize which have already sprouted. I bought 3 bags of maize to use for food and bought clothes for my 5 children who are still in school. I also paid school fees for my child who is in Form four.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that I will be able to buy one dairy cattle for 300USD, stock my shop for 150USD, buy clothing and clear my school fees for my three kids for 400USD. I will use the remaining part of my transfer to improve my household items.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Most of my daytime entails waking early in the morning then go to the nearest shopping center to purchase stock for my shop. Afterwards serve my customers there. My happiest part of the day is in the evening when I reconcile my sales and realize I have made enough profit for the day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Paying school fees for my kids has been an uphill task for me. I am blessed with seven kids three of whom are still schooling. I have been selling my cattle to pay for their fees until I was left with one. This for me is the biggest hardship I have ever experienced.