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 > Emmanuel's Profile
Emmanuel's family
Emmanuel
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Motorcycle or bicycle taxi
workCampaign
Kenya Basic Income
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Emmanuel's next check-in.
 
6th Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am currently taking up a course in driving heavy-duty vehicles. I am to complete my training in June. My father, who works as a motorcyclist, would struggle to fend for my three younger siblings and I with his little earnings. When I received these funds, I had been at home for a week due to school fee arrears of KES 4000. I, therefore, saw it best to use the whole transfer to reduce the debt so that I would be allowed to continue with my classes.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Give Directly does well because they give people unconditional cash. This has made people to improve their lives and I believe that by the end of the 5 years there will a great improvement in our village. I am a testimony of the benefits of the cash. With the first two transfers I was able to boost my business and currently my sales have doubled from daily KES 1000.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I run a green grocery business alongside with kerosene but since it is the only source of income the stock was low. In most cases, I could spend the whole of the profits and part of the money meant for restocking the business on household needs. When I received the first two transfers I spent KES 3600 on more stock (Vegetable, tomatoes, onions, fruits and kerosene). Since then, the sales have increased from KES 1000 to KES 2000 per day. I am so great full to Give Directly for the support. I am now able to comfortably meet my family's needs and even save some little money at the end of the day. KES 500 was deducted by Safaricom to clear the debt I owed them.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
By the time the message came in I had already left the house and I had gone to work, where my friend lends me his motorbike and we work and shifts. The message came in at around eight in the morning and I was excited because I had extra money in my pocket that day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The funds I receive have created a form of sustainability for me and also my family because at times I have to chip in since my parents do not have any permanent and that is why I even started my own business which I plan on furthering with the funds I receive.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I drive a motorcycle as a taxi and transport people and items to different areas so just last month I decided to venture into a new business and so I opened a store where I sold groceries like cabbages and kales, even sardines because I saw such a that most stores were quite far I decided to feel the supply and demand gap while I earned some liitle cash on the side. I put my younger in charge as I continued to work and when the money arrived I bought more stock for the shop and it cost me KES 700. As for the rest of the money I decided to buying laundry detergent at KES 200 and the remaining KES 300 I bought airtime for my phone occassionally.
 
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I shall complete constructing my house. Living with my parents is not a bother but now that I'm all grown, I feel the need for privacy. With every transfer, I will keep buying building material until my house is done.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I operate a motorbike business. A month ago, I decided to take a leap of faith and use my savings to start constructing a house. So far, I'm impressed with the progress and I just can't wait for it's completion.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I would like to get out of my parent's house so that my other siblings can sleep comfortably. At the moment, we are sharing bedspace but if I vacate, they will have enough space to utilize.