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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 > Kitsao's Profile
Kitsao's family
Kitsao
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Motorcycle or bicycle taxi
faceAge:
34
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($493 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 in that I was able to purchase comfortable beddings. We had been using traditional beds and mats which were not comfortable like the mattress that I bought with my transfer. Also purchase a solar since getting paraffin in our area is a challenge.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Givedirectly did so well for giving us the aid that transformed our lives and even the future of our children. Thank God for everything that Givedirectly has done for us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to purchase 7 goats in order to boost my livestock rearing. Also, I build a kitchen and granary so that I may store my farm produce. This is because I was using my house as a kitchen and food store at the same time which is risky to my kids and the other house properties. The remaining amount assisted me to purchase food for my family.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 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 on my way home at around 1 o'clock when my phone started ringing. I decided to check who might have sent the message at such an hour. on checking, I realized that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly, they had finally deposited the first transfers as we had agreed during the enrolment stage. I felt so happy and blessed at the same time
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Having goats in my homestead has brought the biggest difference in my daily life. I opted in purchasing them because they reproduce twice a year and their offsprings normally mature very fast as compared to the other domestic animals. Therefore I am assured of having many of them within a short period of time. My hope is that when they multiply I will be in a position to sell some of the offsprings and send some of my children to school who are still young. Also in case of any emergency, I will be able to resolve it within the shortest time possible.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some livestock such as three goats at 3500 each. I also bought some new beddings which include a bed, mattress, and bedsheets. This was to replace the old mats that I have been using for all those years. I lter bought some building materials such as iron sheets, building poles and nails. This was for the renovation of my house which was in poor condition and small. With the remaining amount I am using it in buying enough foodstuffs for my family
 
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Livestock farming is what I have always wished to venture into. With this money ,it will be an opportunity to buy 10 goats and 3 cows. The goats will cost me 300 USD while the cows will cost me 360 USD. From the cows, I will get enough milk for consumption while the goats will help deal with other projects and unplanned expenses that might arise.
What is the happiest part of your day?
As a motorcycle taxi operator, business booms in the morning when people are rushing to their places of work. This makes morning the happiest part of my day. I earn more money compared to the other hours of the day. A good morning will determine how well my day will end.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Getting a stable source of income is what has been my biggest hardship. I used to do casual jobs before I started operating a motorcycle taxi. Casual jobs paid very less and were unreliable. For the motorcycle taxi business,I earn very little because I do not own the motorcycle. At the end of the day,I have to give 3 USD to the owner while I remain with 5 USD on a good day. This is very little for me considering I have my wife and child to feed and cater for their other needs.