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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Completed
Newsfeed > Sidi's Profile
Sidi's family
Sidi
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Other
workCampaign
Kenya Basic Income
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Sidi's next check-in.
 
26th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($26 USD)
access_time 11 days ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Investing in hens with my upcoming transfers is my plan to bolster my income and achieve greater financial stability. I'm immensely grateful for the support from Give Directly, which has truly transformed my financial situation. Since receiving the funds, I've found a newfound sense of happiness and peace. No longer reliant on my spouse for financial support, I feel empowered to take charge of my own financial destiny. With each step forward, I'm reminded of the positive impact these transfers have had on my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The financial support from Give Directly has brought about significant changes in my life. Previously, my small clothing business struggled, but with the additional funds, I was able to expand my inventory and improve its performance. Now, I've managed to purchase three plots of land and have plans to construct a beautiful home on one of them. With the recent heavy rains, I invested $22 to plow my one-acre plot in preparation for farming. Additionally, I allocated $46 to replenish my business stock, which has proven to be a successful investment. School fees for my youngest child amounted to $13, ensuring their uninterrupted education. The remaining $21 was used to purchase food, ensuring that our family never goes without. The positive changes in my life are evident. I feel healthier, both physically and mentally, and I'm grateful for the newfound peace of mind.
 
21st Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($23 USD)
access_time 6 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Some time ago, I acquired a piece of land, but unfortunately, I have not been able to make any progress in developing it. Looking ahead to the coming year, my objective is to commence the construction of my own house. To kick start this process, I plan to use the upcoming transfers to purchase necessary building materials. The prospect of having my own home fills me with a lot of pride, considering it as a lasting legacy for my children even after I'm gone. These transfers have truly been a lifesaver, bringing immense joy to both me and my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I operate a successful business selling lessos, which are cotton fabrics primarily used by women, and this has been a significant achievement for me. The consistent monthly transfers have played a crucial role in the prosperity of my business. With five children, including two in secondary school, I've managed to provide them with a good education through the proceeds from this venture. Furthermore, I've strategically invested in twenty goats, viewing them as a valuable long-term asset. Utilizing the recent transfers, I allocated $64 as additional capital to strengthen and expand my existing business, contributing to its ongoing success. The remaining $38 was wisely used to address the essential needs of my family, particularly in purchasing food. This financial freedom to allocate the transfers according to my priorities has profoundly changed my life, and I take pride in the positive impact it has had on my family's well-being.
 
17th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($24 USD)
access_time 9 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
From time to time, my aspirations have been hampered by persistent food insecurity. Despite that, I have a clear goal in mind. I own a 50 by 100-meter piece of land at the market center, where I envision constructing a business-rental space. However, my current priority is acquiring the land itself. Possessing this land is paramount, as it lays the foundation for future plans, including involving my children in building the envisioned business-rental space. In the immediate future, I intend to continue expanding my business of selling khangas, saving the profits generated to accumulate the resources necessary for securing the piece of land.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am engaged in the business of buying and selling traditional khangas. Whenever I receive the transfers, my primary focus is on growing my business by replenishing my stock to cater to growing demand. In the most recent transfer, I allocated $10 to purchase more materials, thereby enhancing the variety I can offer to my customers. I also directed the remaining $24 toward procuring food. Ensuring that my children have ample sustenance brings me immense joy. Thanks to the cash transfers, we've been able to enjoy occasional treats like tea and rice, which adds a level of comfort to our lives. My husband is our main provider; he undertakes various casual jobs in town to support our five children's education and provide food for the family. The transfers have granted me the ability to contribute to our family's welfare as well. One of the greatest transformations the cash transfers have brought to my family is the elimination of hunger as a concern.
 
13th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($26 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 had always dreamed of building an additional room for my children, as they were sharing a room with the boys due to limited space. It was a constant struggle to provide them with privacy, and I was determined to create a better living environment for my girls. Thanks to the support from GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received a cash transfer from GiveDirectly, I was excited to use the money to improve my family's life. Unfortunately, right after receiving the transfer, I became ill and had to use $5 to pay for my medical treatment. I also used $20 to cover my child's secondary school fees, which was a huge relief. With the remaining amount, I was able to take care of our daily needs, including buying food and other necessities. The cash transfer was a big help to my family, especially during a challenging time. I'm grateful for the support from GiveDirectly.
 
10th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($28 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?
Throughout the end of the year, I plan on using these funds to help me sustain my business, where I sell clothes. The profit I make from the business will further help me care for my household and the needs that will arise. I also intend to use the money to buy more farm animals because I have so far managed to purchase two goats and three hens with the transfers. These animals could help me make money in the future whenever I am stuck financially. My two children also still happen to be in school, so I will try and use a part of the transfers to pay for their school fees as well. In addition to that, my husband is the breadwinner of the family, but ever since I started getting the transactions, I have managed to chip in whenever money is needed, which has further strengthened our relationship, and I will keep on doing so when the need arises.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I was extremely excited the minute I received the transfers from the organization especially since it was the festive season and this meant that I could finally afford nourishment for the family. Immediately I went on to spend KES 1,000 on buying a hen which we were meant to slaughter for the festivities. I then proceeded to spend the remaining balance of KES 2,400 on purchasing four kilograms of rice, one and a half litre of cooking oil, two packets of wheat flour and a kilogram of sugar.
 
6th Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($25 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Selling African fabrics has been my main source of income for the past ten years. The income that I make from it has always come in handy when it comes to meeting most of the household needs. Being my only source of income, I have devoted KES 1000 whenever I receive the transfers to boost it. I, therefore, spent KES 3000 of the last three transfers to restock it. This has since then seen the profits grow from KES 200 I used to make weekly to KES 700. Besides boosting the business, I spent KES 6000 on foodstuffs and other households like detergents and personal care products. I am no longer dependent on the business since I use part of the transfers to meet most of the household needs.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has done well in enrolling us in a monthly program. At first, I never imagined I could be on a monthly payroll. This is so unique to GiveDirectly and it has contributed to enhancing our peace and remaining hopeful that our future will be better. As a result of this, some of our income from other sources can easily be converted into some projects. Moreover, it does regular follow-up, a scenario that builds our confidence in its program. Most people are feeling extremely happy with the GiveDirectly's financial program.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a businesswoman and I have been selling women's clothing for the past five years. My stock, however, had decreased due to the current difficult economic circumstances, and I was unable to boost it. As a result, the profit margin dropped, and I was unable to raise a profit of KES 300 every day. When I received my transfer, I spent KES 2,000 on buying additional stock for the business. I am delighted it is doing well right now, and I have been making a net profit of KES 600 every day for the past week. As a result, I have felt a lot of relief in the family because I do not have to rely on my spouse as much. After all, his casual job does not pay well.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The day I received the funds from GiveDirectly was a quiet one as I was at home just relaxed whilst taking my meal. It was a moment of pure bliss when I read the message and my joy could be seen all over my face. I withdrew the amount the same day and put it to use.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The funds have impacted me greatly since I have been able to boost my leso selling business and get a good profit margin each day enabling me support my family in any way I can.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving the KES 3000 has brought much joy and relief to the entire family during this tough economic times. I run my own business of selling lesos as my husband whom we have five children together is a casual labourer. Him being the breadwinner despite not having a stable income, I also chip in since on a good day, my business makes an average of KES 1000. With the amount received from GiveDirectly, I spent KES 2000 to boost my business by adding stock, KES 500 to purchase one hen for poultry farming prospects and the remaining KES 500 I bought food supplements since food was almost finished at home.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I would like to buy more goats to increase the numbers I already have when I get this money. I am a village woman and the only wealth I can count on are in form of the animals I'm raring. My husband works in Mombasa but I don't like depending on him for everything because he already has a lot in his plate. Currently I have 25 and I would like to increase that number. I will also be happy to have a source of income to be able to buy them medication when needed.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I was happy when the medication I was given for my womb pain managed to completely knock out my pain. It's been now four months and I'm still feeling okay. I just they confirm on my next appointment that my condition is already permanently healed.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My challenge is a medical condition I have had for about seven years. My womb has been painful for that much time until when I went to hospital to find out more. I was treated and the pain ceased but still I was given an appointment for a later date. If I could get this problem gone I would be happy.