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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 > Jumaa's Profile
Jumaa's family
Jumaa
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Motorcycle or bicycle taxi
faceAge:
21
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($433 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I intend to acquire a piece of land where I can build a big house to shelter my family. The current one is quite small and won’t be able to accommodate my growing family. I also hope to venture into livestock farming and thus I have plans of adding some more livestock to the existing flock.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
By GiveDirectly giving us monetary assistance that was a well-thought-out plan that met the needs of each recipient. Choosing what to spend my money on taught me responsibility and the ability to account for every coin whenever I received a call follow-up call. I am grateful and hopeful that with your continued assistance, our standard of living will continue to rise. I appreciate the generosity extended to us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have been staying with my wife for the last three years, but I hadn’t yet finished paying for her dowry. When I received the second transfer, I gave $200 to my in-laws. I added four goats worth $120 to my flock since I am a livestock farmer. The bed and mattress which we have been sleeping on with my wife and one kid were worn out, hence I replaced them with new ones worth $150. The remaining cash I used to purchase food and other household stuff which were missing.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($462 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was about to take my evening meal when I saw two unread messages on my mobile phone. Without wasting time I decided to check who it could be. I honestly couldn't believe my eyes, it was the long-awaited message from GiveDirectly. They had finally debited my first cash transfer as promised during the enrolment period. I was so happy and at that instant, I shared the news with my wife so that we could start the planning.
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 am now a proud owner of a secondhand motorbike. Back then, I have been employed by friends and paid a commission daily. However, for some days, this was not achievable depending on the amount of cash I obtained. This affected my entire family considering I was the breadwinner. Therefore after receiving the cash I had to discuss with my wife the perfect business that will help us cease all the financial problems we have been through. After opting for the motorbike business, all has been running so smoothly. For now, whatever I earn is all mine unlike before whereby I had to share with the owner. I am so grateful to this organisation because my family has since then never lacked anything courtesy of it.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 35000 of the first cash transfer to buy a second-hand motorbike. Initially, I was employed by a friend to ferry around passengers and paid on commission which was too little. Currently, it has started operating and I have started seeing the benefits, whatever I earn is all mine. Other than that, I bought two goats at KES 5000 that I am keeping in my compound. Through them, I achieve a lot because they reproduce faster hence increasing in number within a short period. Also, I bought a mattress at KES 4500, I am now happy, I no longer complain of back pains like before. With the remaining amount of money, I had to purchase food for the family.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have been a motorcycle taxi operator for almost 5 years now but I am employed. I have always wished to own a motorcycle myself so that I can maximize on the returns from the job. This has not been possible because of financial challenges. I am now happy that I can budget for a second hand motorcycle when I receive this money. My budget stands at around 40,000 KES for this. I also plan to buy 4 goats to diversify my sources of income. One goat goes for around 3,000 KES.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am glad that I now have a wife. She officially came home in January and we have been living happily since then;very soon, I am expecting my firstborn child. I feel very anxious and excited at the same time.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I just started a family a few months ago and it's really giving me a lot to worry about. This is because I would love my family to live a good life but looking at my income, things are not working quite well. This is because I only depend on a motorcycle taxi job which I am employed. At the end of the week I am obliged to give between 2,000 KES to 2,800 KES to the owner. I am usually left with very little for my needs. I need food, clothing and a better house for myself and my family.