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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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Completed
Newsfeed > Benard's Profile
Benard's family
Benard
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Motorcycle or bicycle taxi
faceAge:
32
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($421 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?
After learning about the advantages of dairy cows, I intend to get another one this year. We'll have four of them when I buy another cow since the current cow is yet to have a second calf. This will guarantee me a steady supply of milk each year, making it easier for me to pay for my kids' future tuition.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The best concept was to give us cash since it opened our eyes to the different necessities we lacked as we invested in them. Most people who were struggling financially have made improvements to their life in a variety of ways. Some have built nicer homes, some have purchased water tanks to help with the problem of water shortage, and still, others who had nowhere to live have purchased property. This all contributed to a stronger and healthier community. But, in order to prevent the drunken recipients from wasting the money they get, the organization must keep a tight eye on them. If it's possible, they should ask the local chief to keep an eye on these individuals to ensure that everyone is spending the money wisely.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my second payment, a neighbor was selling his recently given-birth dairy cow. I paid $450 because this was the best deal I'd ever seen. It came with a calf as well, and I got to benefit from the milk. I sold three of the six-and-a-half liters it made in a day for a total of $1.5, generating more revenue for my family, and we consumed the other three. We stopped milking it because it is expectant for the second calf, but I can't wait to get milk again. I spent the remaining $70 on a variety of items that will last us for a while. I spent the remaining $70 on a variety of oodf items that will last us for a while. I run a barbershop, but the money was not enough to support us. We are thankful that we are no longer in a struggle to meet our demands, particularly the cost of our four children's education.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($460 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt so happy the moment I received money from GiveDirectly. I felt so much happy and I started jumping up and down. I was with some of my family members where we were attending a family meeting and it was an interesting situation when almost all of us in that meeting received money. What was even more interesting is that we had gathered as family to make some contributions for one of our kin who was planning to start college studies. We were still wondering how we would be able to get the money to contribute and this made it quite easy for us when we all received the money
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the cow that I bought and which has supplied us with enough milk already. We get up to 4 litres per day and this is more than enough for consumption as we sell the surplus. It has helped us a great deal especially during these tough economic times. I am a father of five and this too will enable me to be better equipped in paying their school fees especially when they reach their secondary school level.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 45000 to buy a dairy cow. We had for a long time gone without one and having lost one that we had to a strange disease. I normally rely on motorcycle riding to make income that supports my family and I also run a Berber shop that helps me raise income to support my family but the amount of income that I receive would not allow me make enough income to buy a dairy cow or invest in anything that requires huge sum of money. The income would help me buy food and other basic household needs but I would be left with very little or nothing to save.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a stable source of income for my family of seven. I am a motorcycle rider employed on a casual basis and the money I earn is hardly enough to save. I plan on buying a dairy cow from which in two years can earn me money from the sale of milk, and at the same time, my children will have enough to drink considering it is vital for their growth and development. The rest of the money I will use to purchase foodstuffs. I am excited as these transfers will improve my living standards.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Seeing my family healthy is my biggest joy. For the last 8 months, we have not visited a hospital for medical attention. For this, we thank God since medical care is very expensive.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Living in a semi-arid area is a challenge. For the past few years, our farms have been rendered unproductive due to prolonged drought. As a result, we have not had a good harvest forcing us to purchase food that I consider expensive. Food insecurity is a big challenge for us.