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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 > Norbat's Profile
Norbat's family
Norbat
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
46
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($498 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?
Before, I had no hopes of buying livestock anytime soon because I was struggling with paying school fees for my children. But when I got these transfers, I was able to improve my stock by adding two crossbreed heifers. I am glad as a farmer that in the near future, I will be having high yields compared to that which I have been getting from the local breeds which I have.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well by coming up with this unconditional cash transfers. These funds has supported us to improve on our livelihood. I didn't notice anything which wasn't acceptable about this organization because they carried out thier operation in a transparent manner.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The second transfers which I received from GiveDirectly, I spent KES 27000 on buying two heifers for rearing. I opted to buy these two cross breed heifers so that when they mature they will give us milk for sale. I then spent KES 9000 on paying for my medication because I was unwell at the time when I got these transfers. I am glad that I was able to get the right medication which I couldn't afford on my own. The remaining portion, I spent the whole amount on stocking some food items which would sustain us for sometime. I bought three sacks of maize, rice, cooking oil and sugar.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 2pm while relaxing undershed outside my house just after lunch when I heard my phone ring. On checking my phone, it was GiveDirectly transfers and I informed my wife who was equally excited. Immediately, I went to the nearest MoMo agent and withdrew the money with my wife.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is owning two heifers which I had desired for the past seven years but couldn't. My efforts of saving towards buying a dairy cow were unfruitful because the income I earn from my casual labor jobs wouldn't suffice.The dairy cows once they multiply I can sell for a piece of land. I am also happy because I also bought farming tools like jembes, pangas and a rake which will make my farming more efficient. Through the transfers, I have also bought food in bulk enough to sustain my family for a longer period and my kids have grown healthier and happier.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 32000 on two heifers because initially the dairy cows I had were used in payment of my wife's bride price. Since then that is seven years ago, I have been buying a litre of milk per day at KES 50. I also spent KES 5000 on two maize sacks because my maize stock was depleted and my farm which is only nine points can produce much. I also spent KES 4000 on two goats because they grow fast and once they give birth they will be a source of milk for my family. I also spent KES 5000 on latest clothing fashion for my family because initially we could only afford second hand clothes.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
In the year 2013, my father in law asked my wife to leave me merely because I could not pay her dowry and she heeded the advice. I have not had another opportunity to see my family again since then. My biggest desire right now is to save money so that I can pay up the dowry and finally reunite with my family. Receiving this money will mean a lot to me because it will enable me to get 50000 shillings to pay my wife's dowry.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Despite the many challenges that life throws at me, I can still afford a smile. I am always happy in the morning because God has enabled me to see yet another day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Separating with my wife has been the biggest nightmare I have faced in my life. I lost my bearing the moment she left because she was everything to me. What is making the situation worse is the fact that she took my children with her. Life has been full of loneliness and boredom because there is no one to cheer me up when I am sad. I love her up until today and that is why remarrying has not been a consideration. I still have hope that we can sort the challenges that are between us and live happily one more time.