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 > Athman's Profile
Athman's family
Athman
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Motorcycle or bicycle taxi
faceAge:
23
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($452 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Definitely, the new goal that I have at the moment is starting goat rearing. I intend to purchase 5 goats when I get money for a start. This will be a reliable source of income to supplement my earnings for the motorbike taxi business. I will be able to sell them when they reproduce to support me financially whenever I face any emergency.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Givedirectly did well in not discriminating poor households while enrolling them into the program. The fact that they are nonpolitical and independent while making decisions during the enrollment stages is something that was well thought out. If Givedirectly could return with such transfers in our village, it would be a better thing since we could be in a position to develop more.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I depend on the motorbike taxi business as my reliable source of income for my family. My motorbike had mechanical problems that greatly affected the business but I lack the finances to repair it. After receiving the transfer, I spent $250 to repair it by purchasing a new engine and other spare parts. Currently, I am happy that my bike is operating well without constant breakdowns unlike before. In addition, I used $ 200 to construct a decent two-roomed mud-walled house that I had started with the first transfer. Before, I was residing in a small grass-thatched house that was leaking during the rainy season. Nowadays, I no longer have to spend sleepless nights during rainy periods something that has restored my peace of mind. Furthermore, I used $40 to clear the fee arrears and pay part of the next term's fees for my firstborn son who is in lower primary school. With the remaining amount, I bought enough food for the family since we are experiencing famine in our area at the moment.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($473 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 grazing my livestock not far away from home when I received a message notification. Upon checking it out, I found that I had received the transfer and I was overjoyed that I immediately went home and shared the good news with my husband.I also went to the nearby market the same day and withdrew the transfers because I already had plans.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
There is no greater joy than having a save place for your family to call home. Previously, I was never in peace because I knew my family was facing a great danger and now, I'm at peace because I was able to build them a safe place. I was also able to repair my motorbike and I have been able to go out to fend for my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I operate a motorcycle taxi business to earn living and five months before receiving my first transfer, my motorbike broke down and I needed KES 20000 to repair it which I couldn't afford. The five months that I was not working were the most toughest in my life as I had to sell almost all my livestock to provide for the family. When I was actively working, I used to earn an average of KES 300 per day and therefore, I couldn't afford to save because I have three children to provide and pay school fees for. We were also living in an almost crumbling and I was living in fear that my family might be injured in case the house crumbles. When I was enrolled in the program, my first two goals were to build a house for my family and repair the motorbike so that I could go back to work and provide for my family. I spend KES 35000 to build a semi permanent two rooms house for my family and spend the balance to repair the motorbike.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
The house that I am living with my family of 4 members is small and leaking. Receiving this money means a spacious dwelling to my house. I am planning to spend KES 60,000 to build a two-bedroom house that is enough and gives privacy. A portion of the second transfer will help me buy a bed and a mattress. The remaining amount will use it to purchase 3 indigenous goats as well as other necessities such as food and school uniforms and stationery for my son.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In November last the birth of my second-born son brought joy and happiness to my family. This is because my household increased in number which is a source of respect and inheritance in our community. I am now considered a fully grown-up man and can be involved in the key decision-making process in households.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I depend on the motorcycle tax business as a source of income. The work is not reliable because you may spend the whole day without getting a passenger and yet the owner expects his daily wage. The cost of living has even made it worse due to high fuel prices which leads to increase of fares, something that does not go well with the customers. Due to this, is hard to accumulate thought money to construct a house. Therefore, lack of a regular and stable source of living is the main challenge that am currently facing.