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 > Martha's Profile
Martha's family
Martha
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
27
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($384 USD)
access_time 8 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My main goal is to launch my own cafeteria business. I've already taken the first steps by purchasing some of the necessary items, and now I'm actively seeking capital to kick-start this venture. I'm confident that my charcoal-selling business will provide me with the capital needed to make my cafeteria business a success.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well in ensuring that the money they provide is used wisely. The follow-ups after the transfers ensured that I spent the money in ways that would truly benefit me and my family, preventing any possibility of misuse. This approach helps in encouraging accountability and responsibility in managing finances.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Getting help from GiveDirectly has truly changed my life for the better. One of my biggest dreams was to start livestock rearing, especially with goats, and thanks to their support, I was able to make it a reality. With the second transfer, I wisely invested $200 to purchase four high-breed goats. These goats not only signify a source of income but also represent the realization of a long-held aspiration. Being a farmer, I understand the importance of investing in my agricultural endeavors. With $40 from the transfer, I bought pesticides to protect my crops and for tilling my farm, ensuring a bountiful harvest in the upcoming season. Additionally, I used $150 to buy utensils and other items required for a cafeteria business. This venture holds promising potential for stable income generation, supplementing my agricultural efforts. Moreover, I utilized a portion of the remaining amount to cover my child's school fees, prioritizing their education, while the rest ensured my family's food security. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I am now equipped with the resources to pursue my dreams and secure a better future.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($364 USD)
access_time 12 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was in Kilifi on a visit to my ailing dad, who had recently been admitted to the hospital. I used to stay with my mother as I visited him, and on the fateful day, at around 3 p.m., while I was relaxing, I received an Mpesa message indicating that I had received $550 from Segovia Technology. I could not help but feel a sense of happiness and relief, knowing that the transfers we had received would enable us to build a latrine for my family of seven. My excitement was palpable, and I wasted no time. I headed straight to the hardware store to purchase the necessary materials for the construction. This was an essential project that had been on our minds for a while since we had been using the bush for the longest time, and it was impacting negatively on our health. I shared the good news with my husband, who, like me, was overjoyed about the transfers. Initially, I thought about celebrating the occasion by going to a hotel to eat, but my family's needs quickly took precedence in my mind. The latrine construction was not just a project; it was a crucial improvement that would enhance the living conditions and well-being of my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before the transfers, our daily struggle involved going to the forest to relieve ourselves, a situation far from ideal. However, I am incredibly grateful that the transfers have enabled us to construct a latrine, bringing an end to that hardship. Furthermore, I am delighted that the rainy season is here. The rainfall promises to nourish our crops, ensuring their healthy growth and a bountiful harvest. This is a source of great relief, as it means we will have an ample supply of food to sustain our family. The transfers have truly made a significant positive impact on our living conditions and overall well-being, and I could not be happier about the improvements they have brought into our lives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Our family of seven relies on the income earned by my husband, Said, who is employed in a hotel. With the support of these transfers, I am delighted to say that I have been able to accomplish many of our essential tasks and improve our living conditions, particularly with the addition of the latrine. When I received my transfers, I spent $180 to purchase materials for building a latrine, a crucial addition to our home since we did not have one before and we used the bush. This improvement would enhance our living conditions, provide an essential amenity for my family, and thus promote good hygiene. Another $70 was spent on covering my father's hospital bill, ensuring he received the necessary medical care during his illness. I also used $30 to buy food, helping to meet our immediate dietary needs. Additionally, I invested $30 in land leasing and $20 in land cultivation, working towards securing a source of sustenance for my family. The remainder of the funds were wisely saved for future expenses and unforeseen circumstances. It is a source of contentment and relief to know that this vital need has been addressed.
 
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have a family of four members with two being children. My husband does casual jobs at Kilifi and I am just a house wife. He makes $100 per month which caters for food only. The compound I live lacks a latrine so people use forest as their defication area. This is not safe for the family since we get water from waterpans. I will use $300 to build a latrine so as to maintain the required hygiene . I will also use $700 for my husband to start a food kiosk business at Kilifi where he is now working. We intend to make a profit of approximately $10 per day. This will help us raise school fees for the two children once they join primary and secondary school.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am the happiest person in this compound. I delivered a baby girl on March 2023 and added my family size. The baby came with lots of harvest in our gardens something that had never happen for the last five years. So my baby is a blessing to the family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have suffered from asthma for so many years now. This has affected me such that I cannot engage in any hard activities.