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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 > Sadaka's Profile
Sadaka's family
Sadaka
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
35
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($475 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Yes, I would like to open up a small business with the money. This business will entail selling of vegetables and Omena. This business will help me greatly in ensuring that I can provide for my family in case any type of need arises. I am also looking forward to building a house for myself with the use of the funds.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does well in ensuring that the less privileged in the society are able to get money that they can use to empower their selves and turn around their life for good. I am grateful and commend them for that
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent the amount in buying a cow worth KSH 11000, I also bought goats worth 10000, I also bought 15 iron sheets at 1100 each which totaled to 16,500. With the house I had already started building it with the previous money and did not manage to finish it. When I got the money I decided to buy the iron sheets so that I could finish up the house. With the cow and the goats I am very sure they are going to help me when they increase in number in the future.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($499 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was busy chatting was chatting with my friends at around 10 AM when I had my phone ringing. This was an alert of an incoming message. However, I did not bother to check its content because I knew could be the random Safaricom messages. After like two minutes Iater message popped in. That is when I opted to check its content. I confirmed that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I had finally received my transfers as promised. I felt happy for I knew I would finally renovate my house.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that through the transfers, I was able to renovate my house which had an old roof and weak walls. I had always wanted to renovate at least one of its rooms but this was not possible because of the poor financial status I was in. I have been depending on the little I sell from growing seasonal crops while my spouse who happens to be the breadwinner, does charcoal business and makes an average of KSH 300. This income could barely meet the family's basic needs like food, fees among others leaving nothing for other activities such as renovation. We usually have quite a rough time during rainy seasons because of constant attacks by cold-related insects diseases like pneumonia. These are some of the experiences I wouldn't forget in my life. It still feels like a dream that this has come to an end. We are now peacefully sheltering in a very pleasant environment without having to worry about the harsh climates and the communal isolation.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying fifteen pieces of iron sheets at KES 19000, nails, and timber at KES 2000. This was for the renovation of my house since it had an old roof that could leak terribly during the rainy seasons. I also bought two mattresses at KES 6400 which were to replace the old mats which were using as beddings for a couple of years. we could always of back pains and fatigues and I am glad this is now history. In addition to that, I am planning to buy goats which will serve as the assets that I can lean on in case of any financial crisis. I then cleared school fees of KES 5000 for my six children who are in primary schools. They are currently studying peacefully with minimal disturbances. With the remaining amount of money, I am using it to buy enough food for my family.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means finishing constructing my house. Currently my house is stalled because I do not have money to finish it. I have a family of six children and currently we spend in the same room since I have no money to finish it. I was relying on charcoal burning but now it is difficult to get even two sacks of charcoal to sell. I will use the first transfer to buy 25 iron sheets that cost Ksh. 25000. This will help me finish roofing my three bedroom house. I will then use the remaining amount to buy two beds and mattresses.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening. This is the time that I rest from doing casual jobs. This is also the time that I see my family after a long day of work. This kind of interaction with my family at this time makes me happier as I relive myself from the stresses of the day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of money is the biggest hardship in my life. The charcoal business I was having is no longer reliable and not enough to cater for my family basic needs. This has made life difficult for me and my family since we depend on the business to get food and meet other basic needs