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
attach_money
 
Transfers
check
Completed
Newsfeed > Fikirini's Profile
Fikirini's family
Fikirini
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
31
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($493 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different than it would have been in that I was able to construct a spacious house for the family. This has restored the happiness and privacy I because I used to sleep in the same house with my kids, at the moment they reside in a different house. In addition, I was able to purchase proper beddings to replace the one that had been worn out. Lastly, I own a pair of oxen which will improve my farming but replacing the old way of digging using my hands. I will be able to cultivate 2 acre more which will result into more harvest hence enough food for the family. Furthermore, I will hire them out to my neighbours to earn a living for the family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well for coming up with the unconstitutional cash transfer program. This has transformed the lives of every household in the society. On my part I was able to fulfil the desires of my hearts. I don't see anything that it does not go well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $300 of my transfer to purchase building poles, timber and 10 iron sheets this was for the construction of a new house since the one we had was small to accommodate me and the children. I was sleeping with my grown up children in the same house which was against the our tradition. I also spend $70 to assist my husband in clearing the dowry payment, we are living comfortable with my husband. In addition, I purchased a new mattress since the one we had was old and worn out it was no longer comfortable. The remaining amount assisted me to purchase enough food for my family since we are facing famine in our village.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I can still remember vividly it was around seven in the morning when I was heading to the farm when my phone started ringing continuously. Without wasting time, I decided to check who it could be. Ony to realize it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirecly, I was overexcited and I wish you could see how I reacted. I even went back home and celebrated with my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since I am a farmer I have been yarning to have my own pair of oxen for so long but because they were too expensive I could afford to purchase them. I have been hiring them from friends and neighbors which sometimes I could not afford it. However I was forced to use my own hands which was a bit tiring and time-consuming, also I could not utilize the whole of my farm. All has become history now because I will no longer have to worry about that and I am now in a position to prepare my farm in time and even utilize the whole of it, which I am sure of getting enough yields.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying a few building materials which include iron sheets, timber, building poles, nails, and thread. This was purposely for the construction of a new house since the previous one was small and it could accommodate some of my family members. I also bought a pair of oxen and I believe they will be of great help in my agricultural activities. Also, some new beddings such as two mattresses to replace the old ones which were worn out. For the remaining amount of money, I bought sufficient foodstuffs for my family.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My house is small for a family of 8. When I receive this money,my priority is extending my one bedroom house by an extra room. This will ensure my children are more comfortable considering they are growing older. This will cost me 100 USD. I will also invest around 500 USD in livestock farming. I will buy 2 oxen, one dairy cow and 3 goats. This will really boost my income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I like being busy. My busiest times are the morning hours and that is why I enjoy the morning hours. I do the house chores like cleaning utensils,cleaning the compound and fetching water. Seeing all this done gives me satisfaction.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship is low income that cannot sustain all the family's needs. I am jobless and I spend most of the time at home doing house chores. I fully depend on my husband who is a casual labourer. What he gets is only enough to buy food for our six children. The rest of the needs like school fees,clothing and good shelter have been a major challenge.