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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 > Mwenda's Profile
Mwenda's family
Mwenda
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
62
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($384 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?
Having taken my spouse to the hospital, I developed another goal, which is to put up a decent house. The current one is not in good shape, and since it is made up of mud, it is very difficult for me to renovate it. Also, whenever it rains, it's always the worst moment of my life because it leaks in such a way that I'm always forced to fetch the water from inside. Therefore, before the year ends, I hope to accomplish this goal so that I can stay comfortable with my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I was given the freedom to choose how I would wish to spend the money since I knew my needs best. Also, before giving the cash, the officers took time to learn how the organization works and what to expect in general. I felt like I was part of them. Therefore, there is no need for them to change any aspect; they are doing amazing work.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For all those years I have been married, my life has been surrounded by unending troubles. This was a result of being at an advanced age without any source of income. Therefore, I have been relying on my children, who also have families of their own, to support them. Therefore, it has not been easy for them to meet all my needs at once. Upon receiving the recent transfer, I bought a solar panel, which cost almost $100. For a while, I have been using firewood in place of candles since I could afford to buy it. I feel great and safe because thieves have been taking advantage of me and grabbing some of my property, especially at night. On top of that, I cleared the hospital bill for my spouse, Gohu, who has been battling kidney issues. The money came in handy since my children had tried all they could to settle the bill but in vain. As a family, we appreciated and felt thankful for saving the lives of our loved ones. To add to that, I bought two goats worth $100. I chose to rear the goat since they grow and multiply within a short period. Therefore, as time goes by, I plan to sell some that will enable me to generate an income to help me take care of my ailing husband. With the remaining amount, I have been buying food that has sustained us to date.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($440 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home nursing my spouse who has been sick for almost a year now. It was around 3 pm when I received the message alert on the phone, I hand it over to my helper who check and confirmed that I had received the transfer. I was very happy and jumped up and down celebrating receiving the transfer. I had to inform my spouse about the transfer and planned on how to use the transfer before we could withdraw it. I was very sure that my husband will finally get proper medication.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am glad to see my spouse's condition getting better courtesy of the cash transfers. Previously, I was stranded since I could not afford the medical expenses because I did not have money. In addition, I am able to get enough food for the family because I can no longer work due to my husband's sickness.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For over one year my spouse has been sick with a swollen stomach. I did not have any money to take him to the hospital since I am jobless. After receiving the transfer, I used $ 100 to seek proper medical care for him. At the moment, I am happy that he is recovering well and can at least sit unlike before when he was bedridden. In addition, I spent $120 to start goat rearing by purchasing 3 goats, this is a future investment and a reliable source of income that will support our family whenever we encounter any financial challenges in the future. Furthermore, I used the remaining amount to purchase enough food for the family because we are both jobless with my spouse.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have a family of three and we are living in a two-bedroom house. The house has a muddy wall that makes a lot of dust. My husband has been coughing due to the dust. I will use $400 to change my house wall from muddy to permanent. I will also use $300 to buy 10 goats as an investment. This will help me in the future during an emergency. Currently, I do not have any investments now which is why hunger is disturbing my family. I will use the remaining money to buy food for the family. Thanks to Givedirectly for their program.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My grandchild Pendo got a job at Kilifi last month. She has a salary of $100 per month. I am happy because she will help the family get food every month. Currently, the family takes one meal per day and sometimes we go without food the whole day. I am praying for my granddaughter very much.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have a family of three members. My husband is old he can no longer work and I am just a housewife. We rely on my daughter who does casual work which lacks the guarantee of getting a job every day. She earns approximately $30 per month. This money caters for food only which sometimes we go without food. Currently I last took food two days ago. I feel dizziness and lack the energy to go and take water from the water tap. Lack of food is the challenge I am currently facing.