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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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Completed
Newsfeed > Stephen's Profile
Stephen's family
Stephen
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Raising livestock
faceAge:
72
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($294 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My objective is to establish a posho mill business as part of an effort to enhance our income. I intend to utilize the initial funds generated from the goat business. As the goats multiply, I plan to sell some of them and use the resulting profits to kickstart the posho mill venture. This strategic approach aims to leverage the success of the goat business for the development of the new enterprise.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did well in fulfilling their commitment, delivering the entire promised amount without any discrepancies. I find no aspects that require correction or improvement in their actions.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving my transfer, I decided to initiate a goat rearing project to supplement our income, considering its ease of maintenance and suitability for our semi-arid location. I spent $400 to purchase ten goats and utilized the remaining funds for essential provisions like maize, sugar and others neccesities. Previously employed as a driver, a life-altering accident left me with injuries, making me reliant on my wife, who is a farmer and engages in casual work. With three children still at home, having this project brings me immense joy, providing a reliable source of income for emergencies. I am profoundly grateful, as this wasn't an easy feat before, given our previous lack of a stable income source.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($308 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
attach_money
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to enhance our living conditions and increase food security. Despite the ongoing struggle to clear school fees for my children, I hope to fence our compound to protect against animal invasions. This decision is driven by the need to improve our farming activities, allowing us to grow more crops without fear of livestock damage. By securing our land, I aim to ensure a steady and reliable source of food for my family, ultimately contributing to their well-being and our overall livelihood.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has truly done a lot in our community, and we are immensely grateful for the remarkable transformation it has brought about. We eagerly anticipate future transfers, as we have witnessed the positive impact firsthand. In my view, there is little to change about the program, as it has been incredibly effective for us. However, I sincerely hope that GiveDirectly expands its reach to other villages, allowing them to experience the same positive changes and opportunities we have had. The model they have implemented is a game-changer, and sharing it with more communities would be truly beneficial.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used my first transfer to invest in my family's well-being by allocating $170 to pay off my son's school fees at Marigat Secondary School, ensuring he has a clear path to prepare for his final exams. Additionally, I purchased a bed and mattress for $84, greatly improving my quality of sleep. I invested $60 in buying two goats, which, when combined with my existing eight, now totals 10 goats, enhancing our livestock assets. To ensure our food security, I spent $70 on maize for my family of three. Furthermore, I acquired six iron sheets for $66, with the intention of using them in constructing a new house to expand my business operations. These decisions were made to secure my son's education, enhance our comfort, and invest in future opportunities for my family.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($141 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
No words can adequately convey the sheer joy that washed over me when I glanced at my phone and discovered a text message informing me of the money I received from GiveDirectly. Resting at home due to a leg injury that limited my mobility, I was unable to venture far. However, this setback was soon overshadowed by the incredible news. A wave of happiness surged through me as I realized that, at long last, we were being acknowledged by a higher power. I shared this uplifting news with my equally elated wife. We both expressed profound gratitude for the assistance that arrived to make a lasting impact and positively transform our lives.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my day-to-day existence is the profound impact of the financial support I received. It has allowed me to fulfill essential obligations such as paying my son's school fees, particularly as he is currently in his final year of high school. Additionally, I was able to cover the medical expenses for my son's wife when she fell ill during that period. Previously, these responsibilities would have been impossible to meet due to financial constraints. I will forever carry a deep sense of gratitude for the invaluable gift that has transformed my life in such meaningful ways.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After a regrettable incident in the past, I was compelled to prematurely resign from the police force. This has posed significant challenges for me, as I had to rely on my wife's income from casual jobs to sustain our livelihood. Currently, we reside with our youngest son, who is in his final year of secondary school. Upon receiving my transfer, I immediately allocated $35 to purchase essential food supplies. Additionally, I utilized $50 to settle the hospital bill for my son's wife. Having an ample stock of food in our home brings me immense fulfillment as a parent, as it ensures that my family will have enough for their sustenance. Lastly, I was able to pay my son's school fees, amounting to $70. This was a daunting task before, as I lacked a stable source of income. I am sincerely grateful for the monthly support that has uplifted our lives and provided us with a renewed sense of hope.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Receiving the transfers means so much to me. At the moment I have my son Hillary who is in school and requires full payment of his school fees. Through the transfers I will be able to pay off the $150 I owe the school. In addition to this, since I have sold all my goats to pay for my children's school fees, I will use the transfers to buy 10 goats at $40 each. This will ensure that I have enough livestock which is a future investment for me. For the remaining transfers, I plan to purchase food and also pay for hospital bills for my mother-in-law who is admitted to the hospital.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the past 6 months, my happiness came from my brother Juma who lend me $5. I did not have any money for food and he sent me the amount which made me very happy. This is the amount I've been pausing to purchase food since last month.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The challenge I'm facing currently is the lack of money to pay for my son, Hillary's school fees. Since he joined Form 1 in 2020 I've been forced to sell all my goats and a piece of land. This has left me broke and without a livelihood. At the moment he has $150 fee arrears, which I don't know how I will pay. This stresses me so much.