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 > Vincent's Profile
Vincent's family
Vincent
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Motorcycle or bicycle taxi
faceAge:
25
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($347 USD)
access_time 24 days ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
With four years of experience driving a tuk-tuk, I plan to invest in farming. I've learned a lot over the years, and I think with some capital and careful planning, I can do timely planting to minimize crop failure. Once the farm is doing well and we start making more money, I dream of buying my own tuk-tuk. Imagine, instead of earning $3 a day working for someone else, I could be making $10 a day with my own tuk-tuk. My wife is ready to take charge of our farm. This plan will enable us to earn more returns from our diverse income sources enhancing a stable and secure future for us.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
What GiveDirectly does best is its fair and non-discriminatory enrollment process. They enrolled me with complete fairness, and there was no corruption involved, it was completely free. The cash they provided was unconditional, allowing me to spend it on my most pressing needs. Additionally, the officers were always respectful. I really hope they continue with this approach because it's good.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before receiving the third transfer, my family and I lived in a tiny one-roomed house made of iron sheets, serving as our living and sleeping space. Cooking was an outdoor affair, and when it rained, we had to resort to cooking inside with a charcoal stove, which was risky. Hosting visitors in such a condition was impossible. I had always dreamt of building a bigger house, but with the scarce income from my part-time job as a tuk-tuk driver, which brought in about $3 a day, and my wife's occasional casual jobs alongside managing our farm, we didn't afford much, covering only our basic needs for our family of three like food. Farming was unreliable, largely due to unpredictable climate conditions, including severe droughts that left our nearby dam dry hence, unsuccessful harvests. However, everything changed with the support from GiveDirectly. With the third transfer, we built a two-roomed house. Now, I'm proud to host visitors and no longer have to cook outside. I'm deeply thankful to GiveDirectly for transforming our lives in such a significant way.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($288 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?
My goal for this year and beyond is to do two things. First, I want to build a new home for my family. Second, I want to pay the school fees for my kid, who will soon be starting PP1. These goals are really important to me because they will help us move forward in life. It would mean everything to me to achieve them.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I'm incredibly thankful for everything GiveDirectly does for people like me. I own a TukTuk, which I use for transportation. Whenever GiveDirectly sends transfers, I notice an increase in the number of jobs I get transporting goods. It's a big help for my family. I don't have any suggestions for changes because I think their current programs are great. They've made a real difference in my life, and I'm grateful for their support.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
On receiving $450 from GiveDirectly, our biggest challenge at home has been water. The nearest clean water source is over 3 kilometers away. So, I decided to invest $350 in buying a water tank. Now, we can store water for drinking and other needs. With clean water easily available, life has become much easier for me, my wife, and our child. I used $70 to extend our house. This extra room provides more space and comfort for our family. Now, we have a cozy home where we can live comfortably. Thanks to GiveDirectly, we've been able to address our most pressing needs and improve our living conditions.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($130 USD)
access_time 5 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was late in the evening, and my exhaustion was intense as we worked tirelessly on my two-acre maize plantation, focused on completing the weeding tasks. Although I had employed a team for the job, the challenge loomed large—I didn't have the immediate funds to pay them that day. The plan was to pay each worker half of the amount owed while I sought the remaining cash through my taxi business, intending to settle the outstanding balance once the money was in hand. Amid these considerations, my phone emitted a peep, signalling an incoming SMS. Without hesitation, I retrieved my phone from my trouser pocket, and to my amazement, I discovered the SMS was indicating that I have received the transfer from GD. Overwhelmed with joy, I realized that this support would swiftly address the significant challenge I faced in paying my hardworking labourers for their efforts that day. The relief and gratitude that washed over me were immeasurable, turning what seemed like a financial hurdle into a moment of unexpected and profound assistance.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Receiving the transfer has significantly improved my life, particularly in the realm of farming. The financial support has empowered me to invest in essential farm inputs, enhancing the overall productivity of my maize plantation on my two acres of land. Unlike before, when I struggled to afford these inputs due to financial constraints, the transfer has enabled me to optimize my farming practices, contributing to increased productivity.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My family's well-being relies heavily on farming, given that my taxi business has yet to thrive, providing a meager daily income of around $3. This amount is insufficient to meet the needs of my family of three adequately. Upon receiving the first transfer, I made a strategic decision to invest a significant portion in my maize plantation, recognizing the potential for long-term benefits. Allocating $60, I secured weeding labor to safeguard my crops from competing weeds, ensuring their optimal growth. Additionally, I invested $120 in three sacks of fertilizer to replenish the soil nutrients, with the aim of boosting productivity on the land. I am pleased to note that these investments have borne fruit, and I anticipate a fruitful harvest that will serve as a crucial source of income. With the future in mind, I have plans to utilize the proceeds from the harvest to build a three-room house for my family. Currently residing in a single room, the expansion will provide much-needed space and comfort for us. Recognizing the immediate needs of my family, I also used the remaining amount to purchase food, ensuring that they had ample nourishment.
 
Enrolled
access_time 6 months ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
For the first $200 of the transfers, I intend to purchase food and other household needs for my family by using about $100. For the remaining amount I intend to purchase building materials. For the second and third transfers I intend to start construction of my 3 roomed house. This will be a significant aspect for me since at the moment we are living in small single room which is not enough for me and my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiness over the past 6 months has come mainly from the rains we received in October. This made me happy because it offered me a chance to grow maize in my farm which I would not have done without the rains.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Recently, life has become very difficult because of the high cost of living. This has made my life hard since it is difficult to afford basic needs such as food. I go through a lot of stress especially when I'm unable to purchase food for my family.