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 > Riziki's Profile
Riziki's family
Riziki
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
House construction
faceAge:
37
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($457 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?
I do not have any new goals so far and I am thankful for the ones that I was able to accomplish. One is the issue of renovating my house. Its poor condition has been frustrating me for years because whenever it could rain it was hectic. I could honestly never imagine this problem would come to an end. It feels like a miracle to us and we will forever be thankful for this support.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has been doing great in my village and this is evident in how our lives have transformed. The unconditional cash transfers have empowered us to build decent houses, start new businesses, and own livestock among others. I, therefore, can't point out any part that deserves a change.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on paying school fees of KES 15000 for my two children who are in form two and three respectively. The money came in good time because they were to be sent home the same week as a result of the accumulated fees. I am happy they will continue with their studies without being bothered. Also, I bought pieces of iron sheets, building poles, and bags of cement at a total of KES 20000. This was for the renovation of my house which had an old roof with weak walls. Sometimes I was so worried that it would collapse and cause more harm. With the remaining amount of money, I have been buying food for the family since there has been a prolonged drought.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($481 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was on my way home from my errands when I received a confirmation message that I had received money from Give Directly. this made my evening because at that time my household was facing a serious financial challenge. I could not wait to get home so as to share the good news with my spouse. He too was excited about it and we all thanked God for the blessing.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Having been able to clear my children's school fees is one of my greatest achievements. Raising their fees has not been a walk in the park considering that I relied on helping people out on the farm for pay which is not reliable. I am proud my children do not stay back at home while others are studying. After clearing the fees we got relieved financially and currently, the little we earn comes in handy in meeting daily household needs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
On receiving the second transfer, I had to ensure that my children's school fees arrears were settled. They owed the school 22000 KES which I cleared with part of the first transfer which kept them in school the whole term. I am glad their grades improved because they did not miss any lessons the whole term due to inadequate school fees. I also spent 12000 KES on four goats since they have been helpful especially when it comes to raising school fees for my children. Hopefully, in the future, once they will have given birth I will sell some of the young ones to order raising school fees and meet other household expenses. 8000 KES I spent on both cement and plastering labor. I am glad my household members no longer suffer from common cold infections that were caused by too much dust from the floor. The remaining 12500 KES I spent on foodstuff for my family of 8.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have been having this desire of owning two oxen and a plough which I can use to plough my three acres of land. Receiving this money means I will use KES 30,000 to buy two oxen and KES 9,000 for the plough. During rain season, I will plough my 3 acres and the harvests I will have will be enough to sustain my family throughout a year.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Seeing my children at home because they lack school fees always makes me feel ashamed and it breaks my heart but at least this term three all my children are still in school and this makes me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have 6 children who are in school. Two are in high school and four in primary schools, they all need school fees and food. It has been a challenge for years in my family as the daily wages I get from mining activities is not enough to cater for the two basic needs, at times my children go hungry or remain at home because they lack school fees.