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 > Kahindi's Profile
Kahindi's family
Kahindi
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
workCampaign
Kenya Basic Income
Upcoming Stage
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Follow to be updated on Kahindi's next check-in.
 
22nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($22 USD)
access_time 3 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I intend to purchase new construction materials such as poles, iron sheets, nails, and sisal twine ropes. With these materials in hand, I will begin constructing the new house on elevated ground, away from the waterway. I am delighted that the support from the transfer will assist me in reaching this goal, especially considering my modest income from raising livestock.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I currently reside in a dilapidated house that is on the verge of collapsing. The location of the house is on swampy and marshy ground, resulting in the formation of water paths during rainfall. As a consequence, the mud walls have eroded, revealing the weakened and nearly breaking poles. Consequently, I have made the decision to allocate a portion of my funds towards the purchase of new construction materials such as poles, iron sheets, sisal twine ropes, and nails for the construction of a new house. The construction of a new house will bring me peace of mind and put an end to the challenges I have faced in the past. The remaining funds were used to procure food for myself and my family. I am grateful for the assistance provided through these funds, as they are instrumental in helping me achieve my goal of constructing a new home.
 
18th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($24 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?
My goal by the end of this year is to have started building a new house. I fear that my current house's poor state, especially the roof and the ground's inadequate drainage, may lead to its collapse, particularly during heavy rains. I plan to demolish the current structure and build a new one on higher ground. To begin this process, I need to have collected at least 35 pieces of iron sheets and tree poles. I'm grateful that the cash transfers have enabled me to start saving towards this goal; I'm not sure how I would have managed without these funds.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Earlier this year, I underwent a surgical operation on my lower abdomen, and I have been dealing with complications from it through constant medication up to now. The cash transfers have played a significant role in allowing me to afford the necessary medication because I don't have a source of income to cover these medical expenses. Every month, I set aside $5 for medication, and I'm happy to report that this has helped improve my condition over time. With the recent funds, I used part of it to buy the required medication. I also allocated $27 from the transfer to accumulate funds for purchasing building materials for a new house. My current living structure is in poor condition, with the roof on the verge of collapsing, so much so that I had to use a post to support it. The remaining $2 was spent on food supplies like sugar to enjoy with tea.
 
14th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($26 USD)
access_time 12 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Currently, my goal is to build a new house in the coming few years. The current structure is in poor shape and I am afraid it may crumble anytime. Given my old age and the fact that am recovering from a surgical operation, I cannot actively work to raise funds for this project. I trust that the monthly cash transfers will support this exercise as I plan to be saving $20 every month towards the purchase of the construction materials like building poles and iron sheets. After building the three-room house, I wish to start a venture of rearing poultry, particularly chickens, as a source of income. I believe that this is the cheapest practice I could ever start and maintain given my limited resources. 
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Three months ago, I underwent a surgical operation, which impaired my ability to work to fend for my family. This forced me to solely rely on cash transfers for my basic needs like food and water. Moreso, as I recover, am required to take more nutritious meals including fruits and milk to regain stability. So, I set aside $14 from the recent transfer to meet my food needs. Also, whenever I receive the money, I usually save $20 through a merry-go-round club in my community. I hope to grow these savings and obtain a lump sum in a few months' time, which I will use to buy iron sheets. I want to build a new three-room house in place of the current one, which was constructed back in 1990. Am not pleased with how damaged my old house looks as it may collapse anytime from adverse weather conditions. The entire project will cost around $500, which I plan to raise through cash transfers as I do not have any other source of income. 
 
10th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($28 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 am a cattle farmer, rearing goats for livelihood. I, unfortunately, went to a loss recently following the scourging drought that struck our area. My twenty goats died, and I had to sell the remaining ones at throw-away prices to prevent further losses. This year, I plan to invest in a poultry farming business for income generation purposes. I intend to start the business with at least twenty chickens, with at least $40. I will borrow a loan from my merry-go-round group that I will top up with my GiveDirectly transfer to enable me to actualize this goal.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Due to my advanced age, I cannot actively contribute towards the provision of my basic needs. My two sons, one working as a teacher and the other casual laborer, usually support the household with essentials like food and school fees for their children. Sometimes, it is had to save for emergencies from the money they send home. Two months ago, I developed a health complication that rewuired immediate medical attention and there was no enough money to fund the necessary procedures. Gladly, I had been saving part of previous transfers through a self help group. So I supplemented those savings with the most recent transfer, which only funded the examination procedures and secured me pain relieving medicine. As we speak, I am scheduled for a surgical operation next week and I look forward to obtain financial support from my son, alongside the cash transfer. 
 
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?
I happen to belong to a savings Community where we each contribute the money monthly and distributed to one person so that it can help with financial self-development. Therefore I decided to contribute KES 2,000 of the funds that I had received because I was hoping that when it was my time to finally receive the money I was eventually go ahead to buy a mattress and use the money for farming in my land as well. Afterwards I used the remaining KES 1,000 and purchased two kilograms of sugar and five packets of maize flour because you nutrition was also a huge challenge for us in the home.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Give Directly does an excellent job of assuring people of their monthly cash flow. Because of the country's current economic downturn, my sons cannot afford to send me KES 3,000 every month. Receiving monthly payments that one does not have to work for is a huge relief. However, I would suggest Give Directly implement programs to educate villagers on topics such as agriculture, financial management, and safety. Such knowledge is critical in assisting the community in making wise investments in aid funds.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My two sons are the breadwinners in our family. They always support the family by purchasing food and other necessities while working as a tuk-tuk driver and a fruit seller. However, because their incomes are inconsistent, what they provide cannot go beyond the bare necessities. I have been working on a house construction project for the past few weeks, but it has been stalled due to a lack of funds. My current house's poor condition prompted this decision because the roof is worn out and lets in rainwater, making it difficult to shelter under. So, when I received my transfer, I supplemented it with some savings and purchased six pieces of iron sheeting for the new structure.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($10 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
On the day transfers were sent, I was at home looking after my goats. One of my kinsmen ran to me while I was in the grazing field. From his facial expression, he was very happy although I could not guess what that happiness was all about. Even before reached near me, he shouted that our transfers had been sent. That moment was so unique to me, it was like my heaven had opened and my blessings were flowing to me. Thanks to GiveDirectly for offering me such a special help.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Building a new two bedroomed house is the biggest difference I have experienced since I received my transfer. Although for a while I had been building my savings, I had not accumulated sufficient money. When the transfer came, I talked to my wife and we both agreed to pool our transfers together and top up our savings in order to build a new house. I am so glad that courtesy of GD transfers, my family goal of building a house was finally executed.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have been living in a small leaking house which is currently in dilapidated condition. Counting the cost of repairing it would be quite more compared to building a new one. Its iron roof had rusted while its walls were washed by rain. When I received my transfer, I therefore decided to spend it on building a new house. I am glad my wife and I pooled our resources together and we just topped it to some savings we had accmulated.
 
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
When I get this money I would like to build a new house. The one I currently have is completely worn out after twenty years of use. Quite a lot of time for a mud walled house with discoloured iron sheets roof. The roof is basically useless; leaking all over and in a the night you can almost clearly see everything in the sky. I plan to spend around 50000 KES to do that. The rest of the money I can then spend to buy some livestock to start raring again.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I really enjoyed the least festive season with my family. Everyone came to the village and we had such a big celebration that we even slaughtered several goats from the number that survived last year's draught.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have a lot of challenges with my house at the moment. It has a leaking roof, worn out floor and weak walls. I'm always scared any amount of time I spend inside it because it can even collapse. In the day the roof welcomes sun rays right into my living room making it very hot and uncomfortable. In the night, the same happens with moon light making it hard to sleep. And when it's raining you can only stand at the corners if you're lucky enough to spot one that isn't leaking.