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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 > Kazungu's Profile
Kazungu's family
Kazungu
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
36
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($455 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 had two plots of land in the nearby market that I had bought but I couldn't afford to build stalls. With part of my first and second transfer, I was able to build a stall which I'm looking forward to rent it out. My new goal is to build the other one and since I don't have capital, I'm looking forward to save towards the same.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Honestly in my opinion, I don't think there's anything that GiveDirectly doesn't do well because the whole process has been smooth and they delivered as they promised. I want to encourage you to continue empowering other communities through cash transfers.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a father of six and I am the bread winner of the family. For the longest time now, I have been burning and selling charcoal to earn living and it hasn't been easy because, it takes two weeks to get two sacks of charcoal whereby a sack goes for KES 500. The KES 2000 that I earn per month can only afford my family food and therefore, other bills like school fees are left unpaid. Since my biggest wish was to own livestock, I spend KES 34000 to buy goats and the balance to clear school fees for my children. I am now a proud owner of livestock and I have a sense of belonging to my community which strongly embraces livestock. I'm also happy that my children can finally settle in school without being send home every now and then and I'm sure this will help them recovery the time that they lost and improve on their studies.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was at around 6am while still in bed, when I received a message in my phone. Upon reading the message I jumped out of the bed in happiness since the content was fantastic and a good message to bump into in the morning hours. This happiness was as a result of knowing that my pending projects were going to resurrect.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since I was relying on making and selling charcoals, this business was from hand to mouth. The biggest difference that I can testify is that the transfer from GiveDirectly enabled me to complete my rental house which is a steady source of income. I am very grateful for the support I received from you.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before receiving the transfer, I had started a rental house project but due to lack of money it stuck at the lintel level. When I got the transfer and withdrew, I used KES 25000.00 and completed the project. The reason for constructing a rental house is to have a steady source of income to carter for my family needs. I also bought 6 goats for KES 18000.00. These goats are also a way of investment because when they multiply I will sell and get some money and also buy cows both for milk and meat. Being a parent of 6 primary school children, I paid KES 8000.00 full school fees for the whole year. This will enable the children to have good time at school and concentrate with their studies.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have been struggling to go back to the livestock farmer that I was some years back but lack of money has been a hindrance. With this money I can comfortably buy 10 goats at a cost of KES 30,000. Goat farming is better especially in this semi arid region compared to keeping cows. This will help me financially especially in paying school fees for my children. I also plan to use KES 20,000 to build a house for my children who are growing up fast. My eldest is 14 years old now and needs a seperate structure soonest possible.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My younger brother who works in town visited us in the month of May. I was very happy because he bought my children clothes. For my five school going children, he bought them uniform. I am so proud of him and I help take care of his goats when he is away at work. He extended his appreciation in a way I liked because the school uniform my children had were worn out. My children have been neat and tidy in the recent months.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial struggles have really weighed me down. This has been made worse by the current drought that has made food and water scarce and costly. The little I get from my charcoal business is not enough to cater for all the needs. I have six children to feed, clothe and educate.