GDLive Newsfeed
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 > Katana's Profile
Katana's family
Katana
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Shopkeeper
faceAge:
31
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Katana's next check-in.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($542 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
attach_money
 
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I only used the first batch of my transfers today. I bought two cows in the morning. I believe there will be great changes in my life in the days to come. I am yet to experience the changes. For now I cannot really tell as I have only started using the transfers today.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at work when I first received the message. I heard a message come in my phone and and when I checked the message, it was the money coming in. I was very happy and I immediately thanked God, and I confirmed that truly the transfers were real. I then withdrew the money and I have kept the money in my house since then. I have been looking for a shop, but I never found one that I would afford with the transfers. I bought cows instead today, with the hope that I will resell them and open up a shop in future.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I have spent my transfers to purchase two cows only. The remaining of the money, I plan to buy two or three goats. I bought these cows hoping that I can sell them in future so I can be able to get more money so I can achieve my bigger ambition of owning a retail shop. I am currently employed as an Mpesa agent in my town center. I have always wanted to own my own retail shop, but I have lacked the finances to rent or build a shop, and also to purchase stock for the shop. I have also tried to find an affordable alternative to a shop with my recent transfers, but after looking around I realized that they will not be enough. I therefore started off with purchasing these cows, with the hope that I can resell them in future and get good money to open up my own shop.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
As a shopkeeper I have always desired to run my own shop. This is because I have almost 10 years experience in the profession and I got enough skills to manage my own business. However, this has not been possible because I do not earn enough money to save and start the business. With this transfer, I start a shop in Bamba because it is a very active center and the business is likely to thrive faster. I will also purchase two dairy cows and this will mean a constant supply of milk in my village and the nearest centers of Mariango, Bamba, Guruguru and Mariakani. Having these businesses operating will stabilize my income and make it sustainable enough to feed and educate my children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I run a shop which is mostly active in the morning. This excites me a lot because having many customers means salary at the end of the month. It gives me hope that I will be able to provide for my family and it motivates me to work extra hard. In this regard, I consider morning as the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial constraint is my biggest challenge since I earn around 6,000 shillings a month. Being the sole bread winner, my family entirely depends on me for food, medical and clothing. It is quite difficult to meet these needs because I do not have enough money. Sometimes I am unable to respond to medical emergencies when my children get sick.