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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Newsfeed > Kazungu's Profile
Kazungu's family
Kazungu
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Student
workCampaign
Kenya Basic Income
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Kazungu's next check-in.
 
29th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 24 hours ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My goal is to build my own house within the next year and beyond. I've already purchased iron sheets, building poles, and some essential materials, which is a positive step forward. I just need a few more items to kick off the construction. My plan is to use my transfers to buy all the necessary materials and start the building as soon as possible. Right now, I'm in college pursuing a mechanics course, and I hope to finish in about a year. I also need to acquire some equipment to set up my workshop. Therefore, my plans include completing the construction of my house before using my transfers to invest in these tools. Ultimately, I aim to be employed for a while to save up for my own garage.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving my latest transfer, I invested $24 in two iron sheets because I plan to build a house, as I currently do not own one. Along with that, I purchased two chickens for my poultry farming venture, which I see as a promising future financial investment. I also spent some money on nails and a few building materials for the construction. Additionally, I bought a few new clothes since my old ones were getting worn out. With what was left, I decided to invest in one goat, as I appreciate their resistance to diseases and their fast multiplication, which can enhance my financial stability. Overall, these purchases reflect my strategy to secure my economic future. Each element of my spending is aimed at building a more sustainable livelihood.
 
25th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 4 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My dream is to have built a house of my own by this year August. I have already bought iron sheets, the building poles and some other building essentials which is a step in the right direction. My plan is to use the transfers to buy all the necessary material and have the construction start soonest possible. I am also soon finishing from mechanical technician training, my plan is to be employed for a while as I save to set up my own garage.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a college student studying to be a mechanic. I live with my cousin in his house as I do not have a house of my own, I however got a chance to build a house using the transfers. I have used a portion of my money buying nails, iron sheets and other building materials at $68. I was also able to buy a goat at $20 and chicken at $12.. This has been a big step for me to even move towards working on my own dreams as a young man.
 
22nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 7 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the future, I would like to start my garage, now that I have the skills and knowledge, am banking on monthly transfers and after I finish the project I will start a savings plan that will monthly to ensure that I create a reasonable amount to start my dream business.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Being a mechanical student with no source of income GiveDirectly has been a great help towards achieving my goal of securing a 2-roomed house knowing that I have reached that age that I no longer have the joy of sharing the same house with my parent, therefore I used the $36 of quarterly transfer to buy 6 iron sheet for the house that am planing to build that needs 22 iron sheets in total with hopes that through givedirectly I will be able to achieve it by June. Not leaving behind the urge to be financially secure and have future investments, I used $40 of the transfers to buy a kid and 5 chickens with hopes that when they multiply it will be a sort of investment and even I can sometimes sell them and meet my emergencies.
 
18th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($23 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
As of next year, I hope to have accumulated enough building materials to begin constructing a one-room structure for myself. My brother has graciously accommodated me in his house for a long time, but with the cash transfers, I see a chance to have my own space and provide my brother with more privacy. After completing the house, I plan to focus on expanding my livestock venture. So far, I've acquired seven goats from the cash transfers, and my goal is to continue growing this number. In the future, these animals will serve as a crucial source of income for my family and personal needs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have been using the cash transfers to construct my own house as I currently stay with my brother. Although there have not been issues staying with him, I believe having my own space would be more comfortable for both of us. So, from the recent cash transfers, I allocated $36 for four iron sheets and $16 for building poles to achieve this purpose. Additionally, I purchased three hens for $12 and two goats for $30. I acquired these animals with the idea of letting them multiply and selling them in the future whenever I face financial challenges. Currently, as a student training to be a mechanic, I do not have an engaging source of income. My father is the family's sole provider. He makes charcoal to meet our needs. I believe that having livestock would be a valuable supplement to his earnings as well.  The remaining amount from the cash transfers went towards buying clothes and more food for the household to support my father. I'm grateful for the cash transfers because now I own livestock and have the opportunity to build my own house.
 
13th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($25 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
As a college student studying mechanics, I dream of building my own house. While currently living with my supportive brother, I am diligently saving money to turn that dream into reality. Through a combination of focused education, financial discipline, and determination, I am working towards achieving my goal of constructing a home that reflects my hard work and aspirations.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I was filled with anticipation and determination as I set out to pursue my dream house. I invested $20 in sturdy metal sheets, envisioning the walls taking shape and bringing my aspirations closer to reality. This step ignited a surge of excitement within me, fueling my commitment to achieving my goal.Seeking additional sources of income, I ventured into the world of poultry. With $10, I acquired two chickens, seeing them as potential assets for future financial stability. The presence of these feathered companions filled me with hope and optimism, as I imagined the possibility of their eggs contributing to my income. Recognizing the importance of personal expression, I decided to allocate $2 to enhance my wardrobe. It was more than just buying clothes; it was about expressing my identity and boosting my confidence. Each carefully chosen garment became a symbol of self-assurance, preparing me to face the challenges that lay ahead. Every decision I make is driven by hope and determination, as I navigate the path towards realizing my dreams. The remaining $2 I also bought food for my entire family and each step forward fills me with purpose and an unwavering belief in the brighter future that awaits me.
 
10th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the next one year, my goal is to have a house of my own and therefore with the transfers that I would be receiving, I plan to continue buying the construction materials in bits to a point where I would have everything in place ready for construction.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
It had always been my wish to have my own house, but it had never been that easy for me due to the financial constraints. I currently share a house with one of my brothers and it is something that do not make me happy considering my age. The transfers that I have been receiving had been of help in terms of buying the construction materials, and with my most recent ones, I also bought iron sheets worth KES.1500. With KES.1500, I bought chicken because I also want to start a chicken rearing project and spent the remaining transfers of KES. 470 half on clothes and half on food.
 
6th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($28 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I started receiving transfers, I made plans to build my own house. Staying in my brother's house makes me feel like am depriving him of privacy especially now that he is talking about wanting to get married soon. However, being a student I cannot finance my plan yet since I mostly depend on my parents who make a living from charcoal burning, a practice that only provides for the basics (food and school fees). The little they make cannot fund my house construction project. I am glad that the cash from Give Directly comes at the very moment when I need it most. I spent $30 from the recent transfers to acquire four pieces of iron sheets to add to the six that I purchased using previous transfers. My goal is to have 16 pieces, enough to roof a two-room mud-walled house. To complete the whole exercise, I need around $350, which am confident the transfers will have provided by December 2023. I spent $2 from the remaining funds to buy additional clothes and the rest on food.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 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 am grateful that I agreed to get enrolled into the program especially since the funds have really come in handy. For instance the previous transfers I received helped me pay for my tuition fee and I was able to continue with my education which easened the financial stress for my folks and that is why I have nothing but praises for the organization and the ways it has impacted my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
At thr moment, I still happen to live in the same house with my parents and my siblings, but for the longest time I have wanted to build my own place, especially since our house is quite cramped up. Therefore when I finally received the funds from the organization, I decided that it was about time I finally began investing in building my own place, but since the money was barely enough I decided to begin purchasing items gradually. So I ended up using the KES 3,000 that I had received and used it to purchase iron sheets.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($10 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I only realised that I finally received the transfers when I went back last home from school because I had spent the entire day studying. I was overwhelmed with so much joy especially since I was almost getting kicked out of school since my parents had failed to pay my tuition fee because they had no money. It was a sad situation honestly.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The finances have been quite a great help to my day to day life especially because they enabled me to cater for my tuition fee since at the time my parents were overwhelmed and could not afford to do so. The transactions havr managed to keep me in school which I am quite grateful for.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon the arrival of the funds, my immediate concern was to ensure that used the money to pay for my school fees because I was literally on the verge if being kicked out of school since my parents had no money to finish settling my debt in school. So as soon as I received the money, I went ahead and paid KES 800 for my tuition fee. Then I also took KES 200 and bought a hen which meant that I finally had two now. This is because I planned to begin poultry farming so as to manage to keep myself in school when my parents struggled to pay my fees. As for the remaining KES 200 I used it in purchasing myself a new school uniform because the one I had was quite old and worn out.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Considering the poverty level of my parents, livestock keeping is the only workable option that will enable me to realize my education dream. My parents' occupation is charcoal burning. Their income is roughly 6,000 KES a month. I have 6 siblings that are also schooling. This amount cannot meet the education requirements of 7 people. I want to secure my education future by buying 4 goats at an entire cost of 16,000 KES. With the livestock around, I will not be stressed about how I will pay the tuition fees. I will be selling the goats or even giving the school a few goats as a substitute for the school fees.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Finishing primary school in March this year was the epitome of my happiness. Due to poverty, the dream of clearing primary school looked unachievable. I am very glad for having pulled it off.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
At this young age, I have been exposed to very hard menial jobs which leave me with serious body aches and fatigue. I help my parents to carry out charcoal burning. It is the main source of income for our household. I have no option other than cutting down trees. It is this task that will put food on our table.