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
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Rotich's Profile
Rotich's family
Rotich
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Carpentry
faceAge:
28
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($524 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Had it not for transfers from GiveDirectly, I wouldn't have bought solar system, radio and a battery which is currently providing light and entertainment in the house. The light has been very useful in lighting the house where my children are studying in peace. Unlike before when this could not be done due the fact that we had no light. I also note that I bought a cow which is now a source of income since I get some money from the sale of milk. The milk is also food to my children hence I would not spend most of the money in procurement of milk for family use.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Givedirectly does good by offering financial support to poor people to help them rise beyond their means in terms of unconditional cash transfers. There is really nothing that GD does wrong!
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent the second transfers in buying of seats for my newly built house. I also bought a cow and radio, electric solar and a power saving battery.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($549 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
attach_money
 
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I got this transfer is that at the moment I do not struggle to feed my family like I used to. My kids are happier as they have labelled the new house as GiveDirectly. That's how much we remain content. Before that, we used to struggle to fit into one room.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
When I received my first transfer I was totally overwhelmed with joy.I have never thought we will come across such a large amount of money in our lives. My family and I decided to celebrate that day by slaughtering a chicken we normally keep for emergencies. Up to now, I'm still shocked at how God can shine on me without much struggle.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my transfer on building a new house. I used to have one small round thatched house which I was forced to share with my wife and children. I can now have privacy with my wife in our own room. I also spent the rest on buying food for my family. I wanted to ensure that there is food security in my home because my area is prone to drought. My family and I can comfortably have a full stomach the whole day without being worried about the next day.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this transfer means alot to me in a sense that I will be able to provide tap water to my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is during the evening when I'm with my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I've faced in my life is when I wanted to marry but I didn't have a house. So I had to borrow a neighbor to house my family.