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 > Gilbert's Profile
Gilbert's family
Gilbert
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Motorcycle or bicycle taxi
faceAge:
22
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($307 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have big plans for the future, thanks to the financial stability that the recent transfer has provided me. One of my foremost goals is to save a portion of the money and invest it in livestock, specifically cows and sheep. These animals not only serve as a source of financial security but also have the potential to multiply over time, significantly increasing my assets. Additionally, I'm looking into leasing a piece of farmland. This step would enable me to venture into crop cultivation. By growing crops, I can reduce the expenses meant for purchasing food for myself and my family. Furthermore, any surplus produce can be sold, thus generating an additional stream of income. These plans represent a significant shift in my life. They offer immediate benefits, such as improved financial stability and reduced food expenses, as well as long-term opportunities for income growth and self-sufficiency. I'm excited about the possibilities and am determined to make the most of this newfound income security.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The direct transfers provided by GiveDirectly have had a profound impact on our community. They have given people the opportunity to explore their potentials in various ways. What's particularly noteworthy is that these transfers come without any stringent conditions, allowing individuals to decide how best to utilize the funds. However, this doesn't mean that there's no accountability. GiveDirectly follows up to ensure that the money is spent wisely. This accountability mechanism encourages people to plan and budget effectively, promoting responsible financial management. As a result, our community has experienced a positive transformation. People have embarked on diverse projects and investments, and there's a newfound sense of financial stability and empowerment. We have collectively learned valuable lessons in financial management, and these skills are helping us shape a brighter future for ourselves and our families.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Firstly, I used $280, to buy furniture for my home. This included a comfortable bed, cozy sofa seats, functional drawers, and a quality mattress. Before, my home lacked the basic furnishings that make life more comfortable. This upgrade has made my living space more pleasant and has also given me a sense of pride in my home. Next, I allocated $50 of the transfer to update my wardrobe. I had been making do with a limited number of clothes, mainly for my casual work. This investment allowed me to buy a variety of outfits suitable for different occasions. Having a proper wardrobe has boosted my self-confidence and made me feel more presentable in various aspects of life. Lastly, I spent $700 on food. This was a significant relief because, before the transfer, I often struggled to afford regular and nutritious meals. With this portion of the funds, I was able to stock up on essential food items and ensure that I could provide for myself and my family without the constant worry of going hungry.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($355 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My goal is to have a bigger house because the current one is not enough for my children. With current business am doing, I will be able to save enough and build my dream house and my make my family proud. Thank you so much GiveDirectly for it all.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The fact that GiveDirectly gives money without any discrimination and favour has really made me happy. I have seen no negative thing that GiveDirectly does.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am happy that I was able to receive money from GiveDirectly I was able to pay my child school fee$20 and the remaining amount i was able to add to my business so I can expand. Thank so much GiveDirectly for making it possible to achieve my dreams.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($144 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received a Mpesa message from Segovia Technology. This was a confirmation of the receipt of my first transfer, which I had been anticipating since enrolling two weeks before. I could not doubt the source, even though it was not labeled GiveDirectly, because many people in the village received the same message, in the same amount, and at the same time. I was overjoyed and thanked God for the officers who had visited our homes fulfilling their promise. I was grateful and had to rush to a nearby shopping center that evening to pick up a portion of the transfer that I needed for my initial purchases.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The joy of seeing a lot of transformation in my house is the biggest difference in my daily life. The transfers came when I had an open house with only a mattress and a few utensils inside, but now I have a good seat and a storage facility, which has improved the house. Despite the fact that it is a small cubicle room made of iron sheets, it is now orderly, and I am happy to be home every time and not embarrassed to have visitors.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The past year has been difficult for me because I lost a casual job where I was paid on commission to ride a motorcycle. When I returned home, I could not stay idle and resorted to producing charcoal and selling it in the nearby shopping center before the government ban ended the venture. Despite the fact that I have been living alone with no responsibilities all this time, I have had to work hard on other casual labor whose wages are sometimes insufficient to meet my daily needs. I am glad GiveDirectly came through with the support that I am hoping will change my story in the end. I spent $137 on household goods with the first transfer, including a cupboard that has improved utensil storage, a sofa set, and cushions worth $57. My house had a large space with only a small space occupied by a bed, but at the moment, I am pleased that it looks good and presentable to visitors. I also purchased three pairs of trousers and two shirts for $23 and used the remainder to purchase foodstuff that I had been using all along because I live alone.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
If I will receive the transfer, firstly I need to build a good house. I will expand the current one to a 2 roomed house. Now I live in a mud floor house, I plan to cement. This will cost about $500. To improve my sanitation, I will also build a toilet with a bathroom aside for $200. For my future investment and emergency funds. Goats do well here. Plan to buy 15 goats, it will cost about $400. When the stock expands, it means I won't have to worry about my future. During hard times such as drought, it will help cushion me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
What makes me happy are the household items I have bought. Now I have a bed, 2 plastic chairs and a table. It brings me joy when I keep buying more items for my house.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am currently unemployed and survival in this village is hard. To sustain myself, I ride for hire motorcycle. On a day the owner of the motorcycle gives me a target of $3. If I fail to meet the daily target, I accumulate a debt. It's stressful. Nowadays, it's difficult because a lot of young people depend on this. When I am lucky, I get only $2 a day. Mostly I get $1. This is just enough for food. This affects me because I cannot save quick enough to start goat rearing. It's also difficult buying new clothes.