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.
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Enrollment
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Completed
Newsfeed > Richard's Profile
Richard's family
Richard
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
61
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($388 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have some exciting plans for the coming year and beyond, and I am really looking forward to making them a reality. One of my top priorities is to build an external kitchen on my property. This will not only create more space in the main house, but it will also make cooking much more enjoyable. I have been thinking about this for a while, and I am excited to finally get started on the project. In addition to building an external kitchen, I also plan to improve my dairy business. I believe that getting hybrid cattle will be a game-changer for my business, and I am eager to see the results. I have been doing a lot of research on the best breeds and how to care for them, and I feel confident that this will be a significant step forward for my business. Overall, I am excited about the plans that I have for the coming year and beyond. Building an external kitchen and improving my dairy business are both big steps, but I am up for the challenge. I know that it will take hard work and dedication, but I am committed to making these plans a reality.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Give Directly is doing exceptionally well in the areas of giving unconditional transfers to vulnerable transfers and providing every individual the chance to use their own transfers in the best way they can. Give Directly also equipped us with the knowledge and skills we need to make informed financial decisions, and to use our transfers in a way that aligns with our values and goals.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am so grateful to have received unconditional funds, which have made a significant impact on my life. With the transfers I was able to address some of the most pressing needs for myself and my family. Firstly, I knew that water is essential, especially in the dry season when water is scarce. Therefore, I used $ 150 to purchase two water tanks with a capacity of 5000 liters each, as well as pipes and gutters. This has made it much easier to collect and store water, which has been a great relief for my family and me. I used $ 100 to buy food for my family. We had been struggling to make ends meet, and this came at a time when we needed it most. I was able to purchase enough food to last us for a while, which has been a significant relief. Lastly, I had been struggling with an old car that had been giving me a lot of trouble. With $ 200, I decided to repair the car, and it is now running smoothly. This has been a significant relief, especially since I use the car to travel to work every day and use it for taxi business at times.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($440 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I vividly recall being out on my farm when my neighbour approached me with the good news that he had received money GiveDirectly. I had left my phone inside the house, so I returned to see if I had received the same message. I was overcome with joy and happiness when I realized I had received a text from Mpesa confirming the same. Even though it arrived earlier than expected, it was a blessing. I was grateful for the help because I knew we'd be able to put it to good use.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The most significant difference is that I was able to realize my dream of providing clean water to my neighbours so they avoid becoming ill from drinking contaminated water. This is because I believe that serving humanity is serving God. Sharing clean water with my neighbour makes me happy, and I am grateful to the organization for making this dream a reality.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Harvesting rainwater had long been a dream of mine because I wanted to have enough water for our consumption as well as the consumption of my neighbours. Though I was unable to realize it due to other financial obligations. I am a local businessman who is happily married. When I received my transfer, I spent $370 on starting the project, which included installing gutters around the house and purchasing two 5000-litre water tanks. I then purchased a high-density mattress and gave the remaining funds to my wife to spend on groceries. I'm overjoyed that my dream of collecting rainwater has finally come true.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I want to put up the gutters to help me harvest the water for use since that is the problem that I am facing at the moment. By doing so I will be able to harvest clean water for use.I anticipate to college enough water that I will even be able to continue sharing with my neighbours and by this we will be able to prevent waterborne diseases that are associated with dirty water.I plan to use $ 400 to do gutters and buy water tanks for water storage.I am so enthusiastic about the project and once it is successful it will be an achievement of a lifetime.I have a higher calling to serve the community. I believe service to humanity is service to God.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I feel happy to share the little water I have with my neighbours, it gives me joy to interact with them and help them alleviate their suffering.I feel it is not right for me to be okay yet my neighbours are suffering.I was instilled the value of giving from a very young age to share the little I can.I also derive pleasure on keeping livestock and gardening after I retired from the civil service.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I don't have access to clean water. There is a scarcity of water in our village. I am forced to share the little I have with my neighbours who do not have water too. I am magnanimous and I find it hard for me to refuse them some water. So that is the main challenge I face. It was even worse some few months ago when the long rains had failed and so accessing water was a challenge and the feeds for the livestock too.