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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 > Karembo's Profile
Karembo's family
Karembo
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
30
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 no different than how it would have been because I managed to start a kiosk business which I am now solely depending on it for my daily bread. Before then I used to be a casual laborer and the little I could earn was too little for my family's upkeep. Currently, life has been so smooth because the business is doing so well with fruitful returns. Also, the fact that I managed to complete my house brought peace in my life and I consider myself blessed. Also, the bicycle that I purchased has made my life easier becasue it was so tiresome carrying the water using my own hands not forgetting the distance.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well by sending the money directly into our Mpesa account that was promised during the enrolment period. Also, the money was unconditional and non-refundable is was what I like most. I do not see any sector GiveDirectly failed us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying a bicycle worthy of KES 7500. This would specifically help e in carrying water since the dams are very far away from the village. Also, I boosted my kiosk business which I have been running at home, and since that my source of income, I had to consider it too. In addition, I bought clothes for my children and me because the previous ones were not in good condition. With the remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for my family
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the transfer message on my phone early in the morning. I felt happy when I read the contents because I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly as promised. At least I could now meet my financial needs and goals through this transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I invested my transfer in a shop business which is now a source of income to me. I opened the shop and stocked it with different kinds of products. I am expecting to get some good returns from this shop. The income from the shop will greatly supplement my family's basic needs such daily foodstuffs as well as paying fees for my children.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I invested KES 35000 of my first transfer on starting a shop business which I stocked it with different kinds of products. My goal was to have a source of income and GiveDirectly fulfilled this. I am expecting some good profits from this shop. I will no longer be struggling with meeting my family's basic needs having a source of income. I also spent KES 5000 of the transfer on paying for my children's school fees. They were allowed to comfortably continue with their studies having cleared the arrears. In addition to this, I also bought a new matress to replace the old beddings that I have been using for years.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means capital to start a business. I'm planning to start a retail shop in the village selling selling maize flour, sugar, salt, spices among other commodities. I'll use 800 Dollars from the donation to stock my shop. I'm also planning to use 100 dollars to increase my farming land so as to produce enough maize for domestic consumption and for sale.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning. Waking up healthy irregardless of the heart problems I'm experiencing makes me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Thc biggest hardship I have faced in my life is heart problems. My heart has been failing leading to my suffering. Sometimes I'm unable to sleep.