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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 > Stephen's Profile
Stephen's family
Stephen
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labour
faceAge:
29
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($527 USD)
access_time 5 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 a transfer from GiveDirectly because I now have electricity connected in my house which was not the case in the past because we had a small tin lamp which forced us to buy paraffin most of the time and this was expensive. I have also managed to buy uniforms for my children who used to go to school with torn ones which made them looked down upon with other pupils which made their self-esteem go down.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does well by giving transfers to the less fortunate and let them make their own choices on how to spend their money which makes the recipients think critically on how well to spend their cash on things that will benefit them. In my opinion, there is nothing that GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my second transfer to connect electricity in my house. I had been using a tin lamp which consumed a lot of kerosene and was very costly. I am now at peace because I can use electricity for lighting and also in my saloon work to earn me more income. Having electricity in my house has also enabled my children to be watching their favorite TV programs unlike in the past when they used to peep through the neighbour's window to watch those programs. I also spent my transfer to buy school uniforms for my children whose uniforms were worn out which made them look shaggy among their peers. My children can now go to school looking neat and presentable which gives me joy.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($538 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
attach_money
 
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the pride and comfort I have because I now have decent clothing. I'm now motivated to apply for jobs because I'm not worried anymore about what to put on whenever I'm called for an interview.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
My spouse had traveled to her matrimonial home with the transfer phone and sim to take care of her ailing brother, so I didn't know when the money was sent. I only heard the news from my friends. Later I called the spouse to check whether she had received the money, and she confirmed to me that she already received it. I felt happy and the first thing I told her was to send me some cash so that I could also go check on her ailing brother whom she was taking care of.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I bought more clothing with part of the money I received from GiveDirectly because the previous clothing was worn out and not presentable. At times, I could borrow some clothing from friends whenever I attended special occasions and this was so embarrassing. A portion of the money I used to purchase sheep for rearing. Since sheep feed on grass, I decided to invest in sheep because currently there is enough grass that they can feed on due to the current rains. I also bought a cupboard with a portion of the money to replace the old broken one we had. It was not safe keeping food in the broken and unlockable cupboard because cats could feed on the stored food and poison it.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that I will be able to start paultry farming and part of the amount will be spent on buying clothes for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when I go to my farm to water my kales. This makes me happy as it provides food for my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I face in my life is that my income is unstable and at times I stay in the house due to lack of opportunities thereby making my family to go a day without a meal.