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
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Agnes's Profile
Agnes's family
Agnes
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
workCampaign
Kenya Basic Income
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Agnes's next check-in.
 
26th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 3 months ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
We are planning to build a better house because our current one has old, unstable roofing that could collapse. When I received my most recent transfer, I used $10 to purchase one iron sheet as a first step in preparation. Additionally, I paid $1300 in school fees for my children, a responsibility I now handle independently since I am financially stable. Initially, my brother used to support me because I had no income. I also saved $48 in our savings group with the intention of starting a business in the near future. With the remaining money, I spent $7 on food for my family and contributed $20 towards buying a goat. My mother and I agreed to alternate contributions for each goat purchase. With the smaller remaining amounts, I spent $200 on personal items like pads and body oil, and $2 on grinding maize for family consumption.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Since I don't have any other source of income and rely entirely on GiveDirectly transfers, my aspiration is to start my own business and provide for my family. I envision opening a shop that offers a variety of products, such as vegetables and charcoal. I am currently saving a portion of my monthly transfers to help me launch this business. My ultimate goal is to not only generate enough profit to support my family but also to save for future endeavors, such as paying school fees, buying food, and purchasing clothing for my children and myself. This business venture is crucial for securing our future and improving our quality of life.
 
22nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($24 USD)
access_time 7 months ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Last October, I joined a merry-go-round with nine others. I took $20 from my transfer and deposited it into the merry-go-round savings. Additionally, I put $10 into my personal savings account for the future. Being a mother of two children, saving for their future is essential to me. Currently, I deal with epilepsy, requiring me to visit the hospital every two months for medication. I spend $4 on medication during each visit. I am truly grateful to GiveDirectly for the monthly transfers and the good they have brought to me and my family.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I aspire to start my own business and provide for my family. My vision is to open a shop offering a diverse range of products, including vegetables, charcoal, and more. Currently unemployed and at home, I am diligently saving up the $150 needed to kick-start this venture. My ultimate goal is to not only generate sufficient profit but also to save up for future endeavors.
 
17th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($23 USD)
access_time 12 months ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have been away from my husbands house for a while because he has not paid my bride price. This has meant that I have had to depend on my family to take care of my children. My brother used to pay school fees for my child and so when I began getting Givedirectly transfers I returned the favour and helped pay his children school fees. In August I paid $8 for his two children and my child while in August I spent $3. I am also epileptic and whenever my drugs end I make my way to the hospital to refill them. I used $10 as fare to go get my medicine. I have also been using the cash transfers for foo, in July I spent $10 and in August I spent $5. I also saved part of my July transfers $6 to my informal savings group and my entire September transfers.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am now a single mother in a sense and I needed to think through how to increase my earnings. So I decided to join a savings group from which I hope to make enough to start a stall selling charcoal as well as buy a few animals. Animals for me are an investment. They reproduce which means they become more than what I had from the beginning once I invest in them.
 
14th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($25 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My child who happens to be in class five had an accident at school and broke his hand. I spent $15 for an X-ray at the hospital to check his injury. I am really glad that he did not have any internal injury and he is doing well. Thank you GiveDirectly I was able to take my child to hospital and I was also able to buy sanitary pads for $1.30. I used the rest of the money, $17.70, to buy food. Despite the difficult situation, I made sure to take care of my family's needs and provide them with comfort and nourishment. My family's happiness means haven to me.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Eager to embark on a new entrepreneurial journey, I aspire to start my own business selling fresh and vibrant vegetables. Currently without a job, I am determined to turn my passion for horticulture into a thriving source of income. Through careful saving and planning, I intend to not only kickstart my business but also fulfill my dream of building a spacious and comfortable home. With unwavering dedication and strategic decision-making, I am poised to create a bright and prosperous future for myself and my loved ones.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I do not like the life I'm living right now with my parents. Since I came back about ten months ago, my little brothers have been giving me hard by refusing to participate in doing household chores. They expect me to do nearly everything for them and this is seriously exhausting.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I was so happy when I got here and realized that my father took very good care of my livestock in my absence. I initially thought they had been sold or died during draught, but fortunately two adult goats are present. This inspired me to even buy more when I get money and leave them with my father.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am living with my parents since last year April. This started when my father decided to hold me over here until my husband pays pride price. He hasn't paid yet, but words has it that he is planning to do so soon. I will spend this money to buy livestock to keep raring at my father's meanwhile until everything settles. I have been doing this way before I got married, just buying and my father takes care of them. I already have one goat.z