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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 > Safari's Profile
Safari's family
Safari
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
51
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($540 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now own a pair of an oxen that I acquired with the first transfer I received from GiveDirectly. They will help me in ploughing my farm on time since they take fewer days to plough an acre as compared to tilling myself. I believe I will get an increased harvest this time around because I was able to prepare my farm in time. Initially, I would be the last to cultivate my land because I was doing it by myself. I couldn't even afford to hire labor. I am glad I now have an oxen that will not only prepare my land on time but also use it to plough other people's farm which will earn me more income.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has been of great impact on my whole village. This is because the majority of us now own livestock such as goats, dairy cows, and oxen. This is still like a dream to us because were it not for the help of the organization, our lives would have not changed this much. We really thank God for the financial support from GiveDirectly because the majority of us have been able to construct permanent houses. The majority of us are now sleeping under iron-roofed houses which helps us in fetching rainwater. Previously we used to live in small huts that were very uncomfortable. We are now happy and grateful because we are now living in a spacious house courtesy of GiveDirectly. For those reasons, I fell that Give Directly is a good organization. I have not heard or seen any thing they have not done well
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent the part of my second transfer on buying some building material such as building poles at KES 4000, thirty-two pieces of iron sheets at KES 17600, some nails at KES 660. I spent the remaining amount on labor to the construction workers who built my house. I had to construct a new house because my previous house was very small and could not accommodate us all. Sometimes my children were forced to sleep at my neighbor's house which was very inconveniencing. I thought I had failed them as a parent. I am glad I sleep with them under the same roof. It is the greatest achievement for me.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($549 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
attach_money
 
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
Previously I had no oxen and it was always hectic to me in seasons of planting for I was hiring and it was expensive to me. The harvest was only a handful and I left a large portion of my land uncultivated and this always led to food insecurity in my family. Through the transfer, I was able to buy my own pair for which I am assured of early planting and better harvests. I will also be able to save the money I would have otherwise used in hiring.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the notification early in the morning as I was preparing myself for the day's activities. On checking to confirm, it was from GiveDirectly informing me that I had received my first transfer. I was filled with happiness and it was just a miracle to me for I never expected to receive such an amount of money in my life.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer to buy a pair of oxen to help me improve my farming practices for better harvests. Previously I was using farm tools that were not efficient and I would manage to till a small piece of land, and for me to cultivate a large piece of land, then I would hire from my neighbours who had the oxen. hiring was expensive to me and at times I left a large piece of acreage uncultivated. I am happy that through the pair of oxen I acquired, then I will be able to cultivate more land for better harvests. Also, the pair will help me in fetching water from long distances for domestic use. I also bought a medicine kit for my cows so as to treat them in case of any infections and diseases. I also purchased three goats which I am certain that once they reproduce and increase in number, then I will be able to sell them to meet any expenses that fall due.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that my life will change for the better. I will restart a livestock business that will be a reliable source of income for my family. I have done this business before but because of insufficient funds, I failed. Restarting this business will sustain my family's basic needs among them: food and school fees.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when I am back from the tiresome day's activities in the farm. It is at this time when I get chance to be with my family and have dinner together. I also take this chance to advice them on morale issues. Unlike in the morning when I am always in rush.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in my life is lack of reliable source of income that can sustain my family. I once went to Mombasa after unsuccessful livestock business but the jobs I was doing there were not conducive for my health. I came back to continue with subsistence farming within the village but this was not productive at all because of the unpredictable seasons. Sometimes, there are no harvests due to drought and this makes my family miss the basic needs among them: food, health care and school fees.