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.
Stages:
 
Enrollment
attach_money
 
Transfers
check
Completed
Newsfeed > Mackdonald's Profile
Mackdonald's family
Mackdonald
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Motorcycle or bicycle taxi
faceAge:
24
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($305 USD)
access_time 6 months ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have repaired my motorcycle, and it has become very useful for my daily errands. My primary goal now is to save more money from my taxi business and use it to buy more goats. The Annual Goat Auction is coming up in December, and I plan to purchase five more goats to add to my current herd of 20 and sell them during the event. Each goat retails for $120, and I hope to make a substantial profit. This profit will go towards starting other projects in the future.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Receiving the three patches of free and unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly not only boosted our self-esteem, but also provided us with the freedom to invest in various ventures without any restrictions. This project has brought about a great transformation in my household and daily errands, and I am grateful to have been a part of it. Thanks to GiveDirectly, my motorcycle is now working well and earning me a daily income of at least $10. They fulfilled all their promises from the beginning to the end, leaving everyone satisfied. I hope they continue with this great work in other villages as well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
In addition to my other projects, I had been working on constructing a small house that I planned to finish with the third transfer. After receiving it, I spent $45 on six bags of cement, which I have yet to use to complete the floor of my simple structure. Even though I live alone, I needed a new and more decent house to make cleaning easier since I leave for my daily duties every morning and return late in the evening. I invested $600 from my previous transfers in buying a motorcycle that needed repairs and the replacement of some parts. To get it functioning for my daily operations, I used $200 from my third transfer to buy new shocks and tires and replace the gear system. The motorcycle is now working well and I use it as a taxi that earns at least $10 per day. I bought three goats with the proceeds and added them to the existing herd of 17. I also purchased four iron sheets worth $30 and used them to build a new shelter for the goats. I saved the remaining amount, hoping to use it to complete the construction work on my house.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($319 USD)
access_time 9 months ago
attach_money
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Being without a toilet at home is incredibly dishonorable and unclean. Not only am I disgusted with having to take people to a neighbor's restroom when they need to use the restroom, but I also get embarrassed walking to the bush for nature calls. Therefore, once I have some money, I plan to build one. I have a savings plan from my occasional work that will allow me to construct a pit latrine before the year is through.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I do recognize the effort that GiveDirectly has made to end poverty by providing unconditional cash transfers. Some members of the community had already reached the lowest point in their lives due to a lack of money since the temporary employment they relied on paid badly and was all used to provide food for their families. Life has been better since the transfers as families have been able to diversify their economic activity and accumulate assets as well as income. Since lives have evolved, I thus never want anything about their working style to change.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I was unable to construct a kitchen while still taking care of the family's necessities because I was a motorcycle rider. Thus, using my house as a store and a kitchen simultaneously did not make me feel at ease. Consequently, after receiving the current transfer, I put aside $80 for food, using it to pay for foodstuffs for my family, $90 to purchase three goats as an investment, and the remaining funds to construct a kitchen. This has made it easier for me to go to bed at a reasonable hour instead of staying outside my house until very late at night to wait for the smoke to dissipate after cooking in the evening. Furthermore, it has stopped the iron sheet from accumulating soot, which lessens the visual attractiveness of the property.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($145 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Receiving my transfer brought a wave of hope into my life, and the timing couldn't have been better. I was in Kabartonjo, a bustling town, after transporting a client. I vividly remember the moment my phone buzzed, signaling the arrival of a message. As I checked the contents, I was filled with delight and captivated by what I saw. Being in the capital city presented me with an excellent opportunity to purchase wire mesh at a favorable price. I am incredibly pleased with the positive impact this financial improvement has had on my overall living standards.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
One of the most notable transformations in my everyday life is the ability to fence my land and acquire goats, which previously seemed unattainable due to financial limitations. This has enabled us to raise the goats within a defined area, unlike before when they roamed freely. Additionally, I have successfully stocked an ample supply of food in our home, bringing us immense relief. We are incredibly thankful for the assistance we received, as it has brought us great joy and gratitude.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I work as a motorcycle taxi driver, and I am currently single. The support I received from GiveDirectly has made a significant difference in my life. It has enabled me to achieve things that I once thought were impossible. When I received the transfer, I decided to invest in goat rearing. With $54, I was able to fence my land, providing a grazing area for the goats. I then used $60 to purchase two goats. Additionally, I bought a sack of maize for $30. I am grateful that I now have an alternative source of income to rely on, which brings me a sense of relief and contentment.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
When I dropped out of school, farming was an option for me. Due to a lack of a stable source of income, I have never pursued this plan. I earn $ 50 on average each week, which is only enough to buy food, clothes, and other emergencies for myself. Receiving this money will assist me in my ambition of being a livestock farmer. I plan on purchasing barbed wire for fencing and thereafter investing in goats. This shall ensure I have a stable source of income as they are sellable assets. I am glad because I would not have to worry about my future because Givedirectly will have given me a lifetime opportunity financially.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I got a job supplying a butchery with goats twice a week. This earns me an additional $60 which has greatly helped in meeting my basic needs. Previously, I was getting only $50 a week but currently, I can support my sibling who is still schooling. This has led me to lead a better and more stable life for the past three months.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I dropped out of school for lack of school fees. Since then, I am not able to secure formal employment because I did not complete my studies. I resorted to the brokerage of livestock as a way of earning income. My job is unreliable and seasonal, as result, I hardly save any amount for other things like investments. Financial constraints are the biggest challenge currently.