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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 > Kabeyu's Profile
Kabeyu's family
Kabeyu
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
72
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($501 USD)
access_time almost 4 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 currently different after receiving the transfer because I managed to renovate my house and it's now permanent. I have been living in a cracked muddy walled house for all those years and I never had peace because I was so sure someday it would collapse. Also, the pair of oxen that I am now owning will help me in my agricultural activities, I will no longer be hiring from friends as I used to do.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, I did well in all the areas appropriately. First, the staff taught us so well how to maneuver the Mpesa platform since the majority of us it was our fust time owning phones. This made us access the money easily.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent part of my second on I bought some building materials such as bricks and cement for a total of KES 16000. This was purposely for the renovation of my house since previously it was semipermanent. I then bought some beddings such as a bed and a new mattress at a total of KES 12000. I have been using the traditional beds which I was not comfortably leading to some backpains. The remaining amount of money, I am using it in buying enough foodstuffs and some othersome other household expenses.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($542 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The major difference in my daily life is that I now own a pair of oxen which I acquired after I received my first transfer. Owning them has been my long-time dream but I could not afford it since the salary was getting from the casual jobs was too little. It was not enough even to cater for my family's basic needs. I didn't hesitate to buy the oxen after receiving the transfers because I know they will help me with my farming activities and earn more income by hiring it to my neighbors. I am now planning to practice large scale farming since it will be easier to prepare the farm with the help of the bulls. I will plant different crops for my family use and commercials purposes. I will now focus and invest more in agriculture. I believe my life will greatly change since from the sale of the crops I will be able to easily meet my family needs.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 4 am, I was still asleep when I heard someone trying to wake me up. I was a bit shocked. I thought something bad might have happened since it was rare for someone to wake me up at that time. I then realized it was my daughter. The smile she had on her face suggested there was something good she was about to share. She then broke the news to me. She told me Give Directly had sent the first transfer to my account. I couldn't believe until I saw my account balance. I was overexcited to receive this news. I then understood why she couldn't wait until morning since I couldn't manage to contain myself too.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer to buy a pair of oxen at KES 30000. I bought them so that they could help me with my farming activities. In addition to that, I also bought enough building materials. I managed to buy sand, bricks, and cement with an intention to renovate my house. The walls of my previous house were weak and it would collapse anytime. I used to worry a lot since I didn't have the means to build another one. Apart from that, I also hired someone to prepare my farm since it was the planting season. I then bought a bed and used the remaining amount to food for my family.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My desire has been to purchase good beddings. Currently, I am sleeping on the broken legged bed with my beddings being sacks and old toned clothes, a situation that wakes me up with bruises on my body as well as feeling tired. I have wished to purchase good ones but due to financial instability, this wish has never materialized. Receiving this money means a quality sleep for me as I am planning to spend $100 on purchasing a new bed and mattress. I am also planning to purchase 8 goats at Ksh.3000 each an investment that will charge my life for the better.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My mornings are always busy part of my day because I am always waking up early to prepare my grandchildren to school. Thereafter, I do my household activities until the afternoon when I can have lunch with them when they come back from school. Therefore, afternoon is the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Waking up with bruises and tired due to the bad condition beddings been my life challenge. This scenario has turned my life into a laughing stock and I have always prayed that I should not receive guests as this means seeking accommodation from a neighbor. Therefore I consider inadequate finances as my biggest hardship.