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 > James's Profile
James's family
James
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
workCampaign
Kenya Basic Income
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on James's next check-in.
 
5th Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Inability to afford rental costs prompted the closure of my kiosk business that I heavily relied on for a living. Besides, the prices of goods were constantly rising, which suppressed the ability to acquire sufficient stock for the shop. Afterward, I set to construct a mad shed for the business, with intentions to reduce operational costs like rent. Therefore, I deducted 4,000 KES from the recent two transfers to acquire tree poles for the structure. Also, I cleared school fees balances for my son worth 500 KES, purchased two hens for keeping worth 400KES, and obtained food using 1,100 KES.
 
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my most recent transfer to buy food stuffs which which supported my family for about two weeks. In the previous months, we had to regularly skip some common meals following destruction of our crops as a result of insufficient rainfall. I also spent the rest of transfers, KES 1,500 to pay off school fee arrears for my two children in primary. I am grateful for GiveDirectly act of kindness.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
There is no work due to the drought and Corona pandemic we have been using. I thank God and Give directly for remembering us during our hour of need. So.ething I can suggest is if the funds sent monthly were more so that the projects we start could take a shorter time to accomplish than this way which would take longer time.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When this money came in we decided with my wife how we would spend it. As she too had received the money, the burden of our financial needs was divided between us. The KES.3000 from me was used to boost my business. This is because we needed to ensure that we had enough stock which the profit would increase our monthly income. My small business is a general shop where the villagers can co we to buy bread, soap oil, and other daily necessities. I am grateful to Give directly for empowering us and giving us financial stability.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was with my friends at home having a conversation and enjoying ourselves when we heard the messages notification on our phones. It was around nine o'clock I remember correctly. I had thought that the transfers would come at the end of the month but we were pleasantly surprised it came early. I was so happy.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I can now feed my family without any difficulty. This has been the biggest change in my daily life. That I can now plan for my future by buying iron sheets to build a home in the future. It would take a day to build a home but almost a year to buy the requirements. Just the dream of owning my own home is now possible through this program.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent this money on food worth KES1200. During this drought, it has been difficult to get money for food, and even the food itself has been expensive. It has been tough just getting two meals a day. With this money I was able to provide for my family and have them eat healthily and nutritiously. I am thankful that Give directly has seen our sufferings and stepped in to help.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
It will significantly change my life. I plan to finish constructing my house, one side is yet to be completed.I am a maize miller and business has not been doing so well. This season farmers have not been able to plant due to the change in climate, this has significantly brought down my income. Previously, I would channel most of my resources to building the house and still cater to my family's needs, but now things are not the same. I intend also to clear my children's school fees balance which is about Ksh400. I wish to settle the balance before schools close so that as they reopen they can attend classes without been sent home.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Honestly, the past 6 months have been very challenging, It has been difficult to have happy moments. Personally, I am experiencing challenges with my health. My left leg just started having pains especially at night when it is cold, it cripples my movements. I went to the hospital but they never fully diagnosed the problems. I also had dental problems but I am getting better. The only joy I found was when I would see my family happy and around me, they gave me hope and reassurance of getting better, if I was all alone I could have easily thought of commiting suicide, but I am grateful I had my family with me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of finances. My source of income depends on the unpredictable climatic conditions. With the current drought it has been hard to feed the family. My wife also is unwell,her reproductive system is a cause of concern, she needs medical assistance, doctors recommend she has a scan taken which is expensive. The nearest hospital is at Mariakani, transport chargers are too high, about Ksh800, I simply cannot afford this at the moment.