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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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Kea's Profile
Kea's family
Kea
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
80
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($328 USD)
access_time 9 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
With the help I received from GiveDirectly, my dreams for the future are taking shape. I have a clear goal to invest in livestock, particularly goats. Goats are a smart choice for me because they are affordable to acquire, and their care doesn't require a lot of resources. Plus, there's a ready market for selling them if the need arises. By focusing on building a small herd of goats, I hope to create a sustainable source of income for my family, paving the way for a brighter and more secure future.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly lifted me from a place where hope seemed impossible, breathing life back into my existence. The support they provided was like a beacon of light in my darkest times. Without their assistance, I can't fathom where I would be sleeping now, especially since my house had collapsed. The impact of this organization is truly uplifting, giving people like me a chance to rebuild and dream again. It's not just about the money; it's about the hope and support they bring into our lives, making it an organization that truly makes a difference.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used to sleep on a small traditional bed that was broken on one side, making my nights uncomfortable. Every morning, I would wake up feeling tired. However, when I received the second transfer from GiveDirectly, I decided to make a change. I used the money to buy a standard modern bed and a comfortable mattress. Now, I am happy and comfortable as I sleep well, waking up feeling refreshed compared to how I felt before. Not only did I invest in a new bed, but I also decided to use part of the cash to build a small, nice house. My previous dwelling had collapsed due to heavy rains at the end of last year, so having a strong and secure place is a huge relief. With the remaining amount, I made sure to buy enough food, allowing me to focus on farming instead of constantly searching for casual labor just to put food on the table. This support from GiveDirectly has not only improved my living conditions but also allowed me to work towards a more sustainable and fulfilling future.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($368 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I now own a decent house, all thanks to that one transfer! I feel embarrassed about the structure I used to live in before the funds. It was in a dilapidated condition, with large holes in the mud walls, and the grass-thatched roof had decayed, leaving holes that allowed water to leak in whenever it rained. Thanks to the cash transfers, I was able to spend $320 to build a new house. It is still made of mud walls, but this time with a tin roof, and to me, it represents an upgrade from the previous structure. I also spent $80 on medical bills for ear check-up. I had been struggling with hearing problems for many years, but I had never visited the hospital to have the condition checked until Give Directly provided the transfer. I am grateful because, although the condition is not fully healed, my hearing has slightly improved. Another $100 was used to repay debts from when I had borrowed to settle land disputes on my farm, which occurred even before the cash transfers. Lastly, I spent $15 to pay a deposit on a solar panel that I obtained on credit to provide lighting in my new house. I had been living with paraffin lanterns, and this solar panel has made a difference. I set aside the remaining cash, which I have been spending on buying tokens for my lighting system and purchasing food. I am more grateful because the cash transfer has reduced my dependence on my nephew.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The most significant change in my life right now, brought about by the first cash transfers, is that I now own a decent house. I used to live in a dilapidated structure, with holes everywhere in the grass-thatched roof and the mud walls. It was on the verge of collapsing, and I could only hope for a miracle to make it possible for me to build a new house. Give Directly's cash transfers were that miracle. I built a new house from the ground up, with mud walls and a tin roof, using most of the cash transfers. I now feel much safer and have more peace of mind, knowing that my house will not collapse at any moment. I am sincerely grateful!
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I was at home, relaxing in the evening when my nephew, Edison, who is also my helper and breadwinner, came to me with my phone, appearing more excited than usual. He shared the news I had been eagerly waiting for over a month: Give Directly had finally sent the cash transfers they had promised! I jumped with joy, overwhelmed with excitement. I didn't know how to react, and I thought it was too surreal to be true, but my nephew reassured me that I could spend the cash as per my needs. This was a life-changing moment for me.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I am living alone in a one room house with grass roof which leaks during rain season. I am aged and I cannot work anymore more. I depend on relatives for help. Most of the time I go without food. I have hearing problem that has disturbed me for over six years now and I have no money to see a specialist. I will use $500 to build a two room house with iron sheets roof and buy a bed and a mattress. This will improve my dignity in the community. I will also use $200 to go see a specialist so that I can hear once again. The remaining money will help me buy food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I do subsistence farming and it has been four years without rain in our village. I am aged and I cannot work anymore. I rely on my relatives for help. On March we received rain I planted maize crops on my one acre piece of land and the harvest is almost ready. This brings happiness to me and hope of life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have been having hearing problems for almost six years now. This has made me unable to interact with people freely. I have no money to go see a specialist.