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 > Kazungu's Profile
Kazungu's family
Kazungu
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
House construction
workCampaign
Kenya Basic Income
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Kazungu's next check-in.
 
5th Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had a huge debt in school fees that had accumulated through the months that my kids were school and that I was yet to pay because I barely had money. My lids were literally on the verge of getting kicked out. The day I received the money from GiveDirectly one of them had actually been sent home that same day but luckily by that time the transfers had already been sent to my phone. I ended up paying KES 1,000 in school fees for the five of them. I was not even close to clearing this debt but this meant that they could attend class for the moment while I looked for more money, and I would not have to see my kids all sad and lonely and at home. Unfortunately we have been experiencing extreme drought like never before which has made most of us starve due to hunger. That is why with the balance I was left with I decided to purchase a bag of maize flour which had twelve packets inside in order to ensure my family had a meal especially the kids when they got back from school. Lastly I used KES 450 and bought a hen since poultry farming was always something I had intentions of getting in.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I think Give directly as a company does everything well. The program of giving money unconditionally to vulnerable people like me is one of the greatest things I have ever seen. This program has led to the majority of us taking steps in building homes and starting businesses that did not seem possible previously.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
This first transfer as a mother with children going to school I had to first focus on their education before anything else. I want them to sit comfortably in class without fear of being sent home due to the balance of the fee. I was able to use KES.1500 to pay for my two children. One is in grade one while the other is in grade five. The rest of the money is KES.1500 I was able to buy food for my family so that they can concentrate in class with a full stomach. This would not be possible without Give directly.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had gone out to fetch water and I saw my phone vibrating. I went ahead and checked and saw that I had indeed gotten money from Give directly and I was overwhelmed with joy. I am so grateful for my transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Having a source of income enables my family's basic needs to be met. This is because I have started owning livestock like chicken and plan to expand by buying more. This support will not be taken for granted.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES.1000 on school fees for my children preventing them from being called out and sent to e due to fees arrears. It has been a great challenge to educate my children as a single parent. I was also able to stock up on food by buying stock worth KES.1600 which would feed my children before going to school. I also decided to buy a chicken costing a mere KES.400.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Since am currently shepherding cattle belonging to other people, wish to keep my own. With one goat a month will be able to have twelve goats at the end of the year. Once the goats multiply will exchange them for cattle. With cattle, can achieve a lot including educating my children through selling milk and training two bulls for ploughing.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I still feel some kidney pains. Waking up without any pain gives me the urge to work for my children. Such mornings are always my best.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The greatest challenge has been battling with chronic illnesses in my family. My wife and I lost six children out of unknown conditions(two were stillbirths). She also suffers from a teeth infection, which has resulted in her losing three incisors. I have battled kidney stones which made me spend the better part of last year in hospital admission. I used to do house construction and plowing but the sickness has disabled me. Currently, I do not have any stable source of income.