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 > Samson's Profile
Samson's family
Samson
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
26
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($276 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
This year, my main goal is to embark on maize farming and start a livestock-keeping business. By doing so, I aim to ensure that I can adequately meet the needs of my family. The income generated from these ventures will not only provide for our daily necessities but also allow me to save some money for the future. Accomplishing these goals would fill my heart and my family with happiness and satisfaction, knowing that we are securing our livelihood and working towards a more stable and prosperous future.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has been doing exceptionally well. Thanks to their support, I've been able to achieve significant milestones, such as owning a home and engaging in farming. The assistance provided has made a positive impact on my life, leaving me with no specific recommendations for improvement. I am grateful for the opportunities and support they've offered, allowing me to build a better future for myself.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the recent $450 transfer from GiveDirectly, I used $240 to buy materials for building a new home. Previously, my family and I lived in a grass house, which wasn't suitable for proper living conditions, especially with my one child. The new home provides us with a safer and more comfortable shelter. I spent $40 on buying food to address our food security issue. This ensures that my family has enough to eat, promoting their well-being and relieving the stress of inadequate nutrition. Overall, the transfer has significantly improved our living situation, providing a better home and addressing immediate food needs.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($294 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I aspire to kickstart an animal trading business and acquire a motorcycle for both taxi services and convenient mobility. My plan involves utilizing my third transfer along with the wages earned from my security guard job to realize this dream. The support we have received has been instrumental in remarkably improving our living standards, for which I am sincerely grateful.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
From my perspective, the support extended by GiveDirectly has profoundly improved our quality of life, marking a truly transformative experience. The program's communication was clear and effective, presented in a language comprehensible to all, and its implementation demonstrated fairness and impartiality, devoid of any discrimination. I harbor no criticisms or concerns regarding any facet of the program's execution or integrity.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I work as a watchman at a primary school and am also a farmer. I am married and blessed with one child. When I received my second transfer, I recognized it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and knew I needed to utilize it wisely for my benefit. Consequently, I allocated the funds strategically. I spent $92 on purchasing iron sheets to replace the grass-thatched roof of my current dwelling, aiming to build a more decent house. Additionally, I invested $40 in buying a sack of maize and $8 in cowpeas. The remaining $310 was set aside in savings. I am elated to share that within a short period, I achieved goals that seemed distant before. These changes have positively impacted my life, and I am immensely grateful for the opportunity that allowed me to transform my way of living.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($125 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was filled with joy upon seeing the initial confirmation message for the first transfer from GiveDirectly. The moment came while I was attending an event at the nearby school. Initially, I thought I was alone in receiving the message, but after a few minutes, the entire gathering became excited as we collectively confirmed the news. I returned home in the evening and shared the update with my spouse, who was equally delighted as we had already made comprehensive arrangements on how to spend. With this in mind, we could not hurry collecting the funds and waited for about a week until I obtained them while purchasing construction materials.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I received the first transfer centers around the consistent availability of food provisions in our household, and we've also successfully eliminated the previously accumulated debt that was common. Previously, I would rely on credit to obtain food and then settle the payments at a later time. However, with the funds we received, we can now make direct purchases without accumulating any debts, a shift that my household deeply appreciates and aims to sustain in the future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Living with my family of four in an old grass-thatched hut with a roof prone to damage by strong winds and livestock, I faced difficulties as the grass frequently blew off and animals pulled it apart. The arrival of the initial transfer came at a crucial time, as we had a plan to build a more durable house using better construction materials. After receiving the funds, we acquired 10 iron sheets for $87, with plans to purchase more during the second transfer before beginning the construction work. This new house not only promises resilience against harsh weather conditions but also provides ample space for my growing family. Allocating $38 for sustenance, including 50kg of maize grains and 4kg of sugar, we continue to utilize these provisions. Previously relying on hard-to-come-by casual labor and credit from a nearby shop during tough times, I found myself accumulating a debt of $10, which I saw fit to settle promptly. Furthermore, I invested $6 in toiletries, $10 in transportation for goods from the shopping center, and allocated the remaining funds to acquire essential household items we lacked. We deeply appreciate the support from GiveDirectly, as it has relieved us of debt and enabled me to make cash purchases for most household needs while also fostering a sense of gratitude for the improved circumstances.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Due the poor state of my current house, I plan to build another one. This one leaks during rainy seasons. I will build a 2-roomed house at the cost of $700. I will also cement it for easy cleaning and high hygiene conditions. Meaning my family can sleep well during rainy seasons. Additionally, I plan to invest in my farm. Planting green grams will fetch me extra income through sales. Green grams do well and fetch good prices. It will also ease our food burden. Will use approximately $60. Goats do well here. Currently, I own 20 goats. Plan to add 5 more. Will use $300. A large stock gives one security during emergencies, for fees, or even for food. It supports us in a big way. They also grow faster meaning they're dependable.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My farm is my joy. I have planted green grams. It's about 3 acres. This farm means a lot to me, it feeds my family. I am happy working on my farm.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest problem is the house. It's leaking, and we get rained on during rainy season. This worries me since my family cannot stay comfortably. It's made of grass roof and mud on the wall. It stresses me a lot. It's also risky because of the grass. I am always worried of my children. They may torch it by accident when we leave them alone.