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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.
Stages:
 
Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Mwenda's Profile
Mwenda's family
Mwenda
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
64
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($492 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different than it would have been if I never received the transfer in that through the transfers,I am living a better life. I am staying in a decent house after constructing a new house. In the past I was sleeping and cooking in the same house which affected my health wise due to the constant smoke I get from the firewood. In addition, I now have enough water storage for the family after purchasing a water tank with the transfer.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well for sending unconstitutional cash transfer to the households living in extreme poverty. In my opinion, I don't see anything that it does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to complete the construction of my house which I have started with my transfer by purchasing 5 iron sheets and a door. This is because the one I had was leaking due to the old, rusty roof. In addition, I purchased a water tanks which will assist me in storing enough rain water for the family. Furthermore, I invested some in my crop farming by hiring labor to assist me preparing my farm. The remaining amount assisted me to purchasing enough food for the family and constructed a separate kitchen. Previously, I use to cook in the same house which affected my health through the frequent from I get from the fireword.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 2 o'clock in the afternoon when I saw the notification message on my mobile phone. But since I am illiterate, I asked my daughter to check what the notification was all about. On checking he conformed that it an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. They had sent my first transfer as they promised earlier on.  I was so excited I remember dancing and celebrating with joy.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
A lot has happened ever since I received the first transfers but the fact I now own a decent house makes the biggest difference. I have been longing to construct a big house but due to my financial status, I could not afford it. My previous house was in a deplorable condition and whenever it rained we would be rained on. We could seek shelter from our neighbors and sometimes we would have sleepless nights during such seasons which was very traumatizing. However, after I constructed this house, the problem is solved. We no longer have to worry about the rains or even the insecurities. I am so grateful for the support I got from this organization.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my transfer on buying some building materials such as pieces of iron sheets, building pols, threads, timber, and nails. This was for the construction of a new house since the previous one was in critical condition. Also, I spent KES 5000 of the transfers on paying the mason as his labor fee. Also, I am planning to buy a new wooden bed and a decent mattress, this is to replace the mats that I have been using all along. With the remaing amount of money, I am using it to buy foodstuffs for the family.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have been wishing to build another house after the current house's roof was blown away by wind.When I receive the money I will use 40,000 Kenya shillings to build a two roomed house. I will also use 40,000 Kenya shillings to buy 2 cows and 5 goats which will provide income and assist in times of need. The remaining amount will be used for basic needs such as food and clothing.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Being a charcoal vendor is not an easy job because it forces me to move far distances looking for customers, which drains a lot of energy and becomes tiresome. Evening is the time I return home after selling them.Evening is therefore, the happiest part of my day since I get a rest.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I work as a charcoal vendor whereby I usually sell charcoal at a nearby shopping centre. The income which I get per month is 5,000 Kenya shillings because prices are low especially now due to the corona virus pandemic.The income is not enough to do my desired projects such as building a house and buying livestock. Financial constraints has therefore been my biggest hardship.