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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 > Kadzo's Profile
Kadzo's family
Kadzo
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
78
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($390 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?
Currently, I have a goal of starting an investment in livestock farming specifically goats. I understand it will take quite some time because the amount I get from my casual work cannot do huge things at ago but with determination and saving discipline, I will make it. As much as I would like to start with a cow, it will not be possible because the income is not defined and it is irregular. Due to this, buying a cow will be an outcome of the goats' investment which I plan to start with.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Distributing the money in chunks was yet another game-changer and in my opinion. GiveDirectly does extremely well by distributing equal amounts of money to everyone in the community. I'm fairly content with what I've been able to do on an individual level, and I'm much happier when I consider what each person has accomplished. There is absolutely nothing wrong in my opinion with the way GiveDirectly operates.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving the second transfer, I decided to buy some iron sheets, building poles, and rafters. I bought these materials to build a house for my son, who had been seeking refuge from his young brother yet he has a family after his house collapsed. I cannot account for how much the house cost due to illiteracy but what gives me peace of mind is that he is very happy and settled with his wife in the new house. After that, I paid $40 in school fees for my two primary school grandchildren who had been sent back home for fees. Thereafter, I used the remaining amount to buy some food for the family.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($423 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
My son was seriously ill, so I was in the hospital tending to him. I received a text message, but I decided not to confirm its contents because I already had a lot on my mind. A few hours later, I got a call from a relative who had just gotten her transfer and was asking if I had also gotten mine. Being illiterate, I called a friend who lived nearby to check my phone message and let me know if I had received any money. She confirmed that I had received my transfers after a short while. I called my son in Kilifi right away to tell him the good news, and then we both went to withdraw the money. I was overjoyed, and I thank the organization for the thoughtful action.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest change I've noticed since starting to receive payments from Give Directly is the financial boost that enabled me to completely renovate my home. I had been bothered and troubled for a long time by the state of my home. I couldn't build a better house due to my family's poverty. I'm glad that I now reside in a more secure and improved home than I did previously. For my husband, who doesn't have a nice house, I'm building an extra room. I'm very happy about how my life has changed.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Prior to receiving the transfers, my house was in a terrible state. When it rained heavily, the rusty, hole-filled iron sheets seriously leaked. If that happened, I would have to stay up all night trying to move my clothes and other valuables to avoid getting rained on. I had to put up with the chilly air that seeped through the gaping hole in the mud walls during the night. As the poles grew brittle and the house began to lean to one side, I grew concerned for my safety. My main objective after receiving my first transfer was to renovate my home so that I could live more comfortably, safely, and away from the trouble I had been going through for years. I spent $260 on 24 pieces of iron sheets, which were then used to completely renovate the roof. For $100, I bought four goats. I purchased the goats as a potential investment. I can sell some in the event of an emergency and use the proceeds to deal with the situation. I then used the remaining money to purchase a bag of maize. Without rain, we would be forced to pay exorbitant prices for food because the cost of food is so high. The family will have enough food for a month thanks to the 90 kg sack of maize. It's great to know we will have plenty of food. I am grateful that I was given the money because it has significantly improved my life.
 
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
My area is not good for crop farming due to the prolonged drought. As a farmer I have shifted to livestock keeping. Animal rearing does well in our area. I plan to buy 20 goats as an investment. One goat goes at $30 so it will cost me $ 600. Goats are resistant to drought thus I will have a source of income through their milk and meat once I sell them. I will also use $ 300 to pay school fees for my grandson who is at secondary school. He has a fees balance of $ 300. I am happy than once he is done with his KCSE examination, he will get his certificates and proceed to college. I give thanks to Give directly for their program.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The National government of Kenya through the Disaster management department brought relief food in our community two days ago. I got 20kgs of maize and 1litre of cooking oil. This food will last for one month. The relief food has brought happiness to me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I do subsistence farming as my job. I depend on it entirely for family food. I have 2 acres piece of land and during rainy seasons I plant all two acres with maize. I harvest approximately 5 bags of 90kg each. This food lasts for one year since I am living alone. It has been three years now without rain in our community. There is a severe famine in our community. I take only one meal in a day and most often I go without food. So lack of food is the current challenge I am facing.