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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 > Saumu's Profile
Saumu's family
Saumu
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
37
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($435 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Before my time comes, I would love to build a 4 bedroom house for me and my family. Alongside this, as I'm sure its every parents dream, I would love nothing more than to ensure I raise my kids to have a better life than that me and their father have led.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly excels at sniffing out those who truly need these transfers and making sure that it bridges the gap between themselves and their goals. I have no fault or criticism, but just to GiveDirectly continue to be a blessing and inspiration to others and to possibly revisit past recipients again to partner with them.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I run a small posho mill, where I grind maize into maize meal. The funds allowed me to buy diesel for my mill, as well as a whole sack of maize to grind and turn into flour. The 10 litres of diesel retailed at KES. 160 per litre, which I got in town when I had gone to also purchase 12 iron sheets for construction. While my husband drives a matatu in Mombasa, I run the mill, selling the floor at KES. 5, per kg, and between us, we try our best to provide for our 7 kids. The balance of the funds went towards school fees. I cleared a debt of KES. 20,000, and allocated what little was left to the rest of the tuition fees. My eldest is in Meru University and commands KES. 31,000 every semester, my second born is in form one and needs KES. 22,000 every term for his schooling in Kilifi, my third born in Class 8 at Mulungu wa Mawe Primary also needs KES. 300 per month for tuition , my 4th in Class 7 and my 5th in nursery, while my 6th is also in nursery, all three of whom are also attending Mulungu Primary, and command KES. 300, a piece for tuition, per month, while our only reprieve is my 7th born who is 2 years old. Needless to say, had it not been for GiveDirectly, we would have taken years to make the strides we made in months as a family
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I saw the SMS confirming that I have received the money from GiveDirectly at around half past four in the evening because my phone was at the local market center charging earlier during the day. I felt so happy when I got the money because didn't have much of a reliable job as I work as a poshomill attendant. Therefore, with this money, I knew it was going to open up more ways and opportunities for me.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving money from GiveDirectly is the progress I can see in my life especially getting back my business of offering cow driven ploughing services. We now don't depend on my job of being a poshomill attendant, as well as I was able to create employment since I've employed someone to do the ploughing on my behalf.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of the transfer which was KES 42000 on buying two cows and a plough because cow driven ploughing had been my regular source of income especially during the rainy season when it time prepare farms for agriculture. I had the cows and the plough before but had to sell both due to the hardships we were facing as well as the scarcity of rainfall which made it possible to get the opportunity to plough, therefore, when I got the money from GiveDirectly I made it a priority to get back my name on the market as far as ploughing is concerned. I also spent KES 5000 on settling my children's school fees arrears because I was stranded and couldn't settle due to the fact that my only source of income had ceased as I had sold my cows and plough. Therefore, when I got the money I settled the arrears because I didn't want their education to be interrupted or disrupted since I know that when they get a good education they will stand the chance to get employed and inturn I'll be able to count on them in the future to help me address the financial challenges I will be facing.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have been dreaming to start a charcoal business for long but I could not achieve my dream because of financial problems. One sack of charcoal here at my village cost at 400 KES and the town I am dreaming to start my business cost at 1200 KES , meaning I will be making a double profit per one sack. Receiving this money means I will start this business because I am seeing I will be making good profit and it will make me rich. I will utilize the first transfer in this business and use the second transfer to buy domestic goats to keep as wealthy for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My first born finished his school and got a job 2 months back at kilifi. This brought joy and happiness because I know he will be assistanting the family especially during this harsh time where there is no food from the farm.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Getting fresh water is a bigger challenge because we depend on tap water which is at the main road which is is far from here for about1km. and also you have to pay to get the commodity. One jerican of 20litres cost at 10 kES. I am also living very far from the shops and getting food items means I have to travel to the main road. I do not have job to do myself, I depend entirely on my husband who is a truck driver to provide everything in the house.