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 > Collins's Profile
Collins's family
Collins
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Motorcycle or bicycle taxi
faceAge:
22
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Collins's next check-in.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($347 USD)
access_time 2 days ago
attach_money
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My plan for the coming years is to continue farming, as I believe it is the best investment for my future. When I receive my third transfer, I will plant pawpaw, bananas, and vegetables to ensure a steady supply of food and income. Farming has always been my main source of livelihood, and I am confident that expanding it will improve my life. I also plan to engage in self-employment alongside farming to further improve my financial stability. With these efforts, I aim to support myself and create a better life for my future. I am determined to keep working hard, and I truly believe that farming will help me achieve my goals.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has done a great job in helping us without expecting anything in return. The officers do not ask for bribes, and they genuinely want to support us. You came to help at the right time, unlike other organizations like the Red Cross, which only visit during moments of urgent need. You came directly to us, ensuring that we were assisted when it mattered most. I have not seen anything wrong with how GiveDirect
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Life had been a constant struggle, especially with my crops being destroyed by goats. I had always dreamed of having a safe farm where I could grow my food without worrying about animals getting in. So, I spent $420 to fence my home using barked and jailing wire. This investment was essential for protecting my farm and ensuring that my crops could grow freely without disturbance. It was a relief to finally know that my vegetables, which are my main source of food, would be safe from harm. Once I had fenced the farm, I used the remaining amount of money to buy new clothes. My old clothes were worn out and unsuitable for any occasion, so I felt it was time to invest in something better. As a single person, living alone, I had been managing on my own, cooking and taking care of everything. It felt good to finally have something new to wear, especially with the holidays approaching. Farming has been my main way of surviving, and it’s what keeps me going. I plant vegetables to ensure I have food to eat, and sometimes I sell a little to make some extra money. This cash transfer has made a huge difference in my life. It has helped me secure my farm and improve my living conditions, and I’m grateful for the support.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($155 USD)
access_time 2 months ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at a burial in a neighboring village when I received the text message confirming that I had received $200 from GiveDirectly. I felt an overwhelming sense of joy, but I couldn’t express it, knowing I was surrounded by mourners in such a sad moment. I kept the news to myself, but all I could think about was fulfilling my plans, especially buying a mattress and a bed for myself.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
To earn a living, I mainly rely on motorcycle riding, which can be really tedious. All I wanted was a good rest to recharge for the next day, but that felt impossible with my worn-out mattress; I could literally feel the board beneath me. With my limited income, I had to prioritize basic needs like food, making it seem impossible to buy a new mattress. The irritating creaks and sounds from my old bed kept me awake at night whenever I moved, but everything changed when I received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I finally had the chance to purchase a bed and mattress, and since then, I no longer experience back pain or struggle to sleep; I wake up refreshed and ready for the day without waking up in discomfort. Thank you, GiveDirectly!
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Sleeping on an old mattress constantly caused me back pain, making it hard for me to get a good night’s sleep. My bed was so worn out that I couldn’t turn comfortably without hearing it creak. I had long wished to buy a new one, but my income from motorcycle riding was limited, which made it almost impossible to afford. When I received my first cash transfer from GiveDirectly, I decided to invest in a new mattress and bed, costing $140, and let me tell you, I sleep so well now! After a long day of riding, the comfort of my new mattress helps me rest well. In addition to my motorcycle work, I do some small-scale farming in my kitchen garden, where I have planted green grams. The money was indeed timely because my crops were at the weeding stage and required pesticide and herbicide sprays. I spent $33 on these to ensure my crops stay healthy. I also spent $20 on new clothes since mine were worn out, and I didn’t have anything nice to wear on special occasions. Recently, a tree fell and blocked the path leading to my house, so I spent the remaining $7 to cut it down and clear the road, making it accessible again.
 
Enrolled
access_time 4 months ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I am planning to buy chain links to fence my compound, protecting it from livestock browsing. Additionally, I plan to invest in agricultural farming by using some of my transfers to buy farm inputs and water pipes. I will use the remaining money to renovate the bathroom and toilet for my family, as they are very old and I am worried they might collapse anytime.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am very happy because my vegetables are doing well and I will be harvesting tomorrow. This will make me a lot of money despite the destruction caused by livestock.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a proper fence is a major challenge I’m facing because livestock tend to invade my farm, eating and destroying my vegetables. This forces me to stay home to watch over them, because iam not able to afford to buy chain links to fence my compound due to financial constraints.