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
attach_money
 
Transfers
check
Completed
Newsfeed > Jumwa's Profile
Jumwa's family
Jumwa
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
43
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($438 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
check
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have a new goal which is to open a retail shop in my village. I have been thinking of starting this business lately because it is very profitable and the shops are in high demand in my community since they are countable. Also, it will be a relief to be from the casual jobs which are very tiring and not lucrative. I trust that once I will get empowered and achieve this goal, my life will never be the same again because I will have a reliable source of income.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does perfectly well in my entire village because the officers visited every needy household we received the cash transfers without any biases. Also, the fact that we were taught how best we can spend money according to our desires was the best since it enlightened most of us to use money wisely. I, therefore, do not see anything that GiveDirerectly did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $30 of my second cash transfer on purchasing foodstuffs for my two family members. I had to prioritise this since we have been starving for a couple of days. During those days, I could hardly do the house chores or my daily hustles. Being able to patent, was so tough and I never thought all these hiccups shall come to an end. Also with the remaining amount of money, I am planning to buy a piece of land ( one acre). I have been staying at my paternal home for so many years together with my children and I felt it was high time I needed to have my compound I can call home. Also, I believe that owning this piece of land shall restore my dignity not only to my children but you anyone in society. My children will also be in a position to build their own houses on this land once they grow up, therefore it's an asset that I trust will serve my generation as well.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($471 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was on one morning when I heard some of the family members talking about GiveDirectly transfers. I felt curious thinking that I might have been left aside. I called my son who checked for me since I do not know how to confirm my account balance. When he informed me that I had also received the money, I ululated in happiness since this was my first time to get such an amount at once yet it was not to be paid back.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before GiveDirectly graced our village with this amazing unconditional transfer, my life was full of struggles. I was relying on making and selling charcoal which was a hand-to-mouth business. This job was very tiresome. I appreciate the help I received from GiveDirectly because it gave me a break from the charcoal business. As of now, I am resting and things are moving on well. This could not be possible if it were not for GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon withdrawing the money, I first bought a plowing cow because we were nearing the planting season and the cow would serve as a source of income for tilling peoples’ pieces of land. I also bought some building materials the likes of iron sheets, poles, and rafters aiming to build a house since the one I have is on the verge of collapsing. For the remaining amount, I bought some food for the family.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I separated from my husband 15 years ago and came back to my parents with my 2 children. According to our culture, once you are married you can no longer stay in your parent's house. This made me construct a small structure that looks like a kiosk because my financial position could not allow building a bigger one. Receiving this money means fulfilling my longing of having a spacious and decent house. I am planning to spend 70,000 KES of the transfer to construct a semi-permanent house so that I can live comfortably. In addition, I will invest the remaining part of the transfer in livestock which will be a source of income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
It was 2 months ago, when I managed to sell 5 bags of charcoal at ago. This enabled me to earn 2250 KES which according to me it was a miracle which brought a lot of joy to my life. Before this happened, I used to sell 1 sack after 1 or 2 weeks. The money I received enable me to purchase a stock of food which lasted for 1 month.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of support from my siblings is the biggest hardship I am currently facing. Since I came from my matrimonial home I have been working as a charcoal vendor. This job is very tedious and earns me 450 KES per week. My elder siblings have good jobs, but they neglect me because saying that I should be in my husband's home.