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.
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Completed
Newsfeed > Bendera's Profile
Bendera's family
Bendera
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
workCampaign
Kenya Basic Income
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Bendera's next check-in.
 
18th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 15 days ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Looking ahead to the next year and beyond, I aim to invest in livestock such as cows and goats. Since I currently have no other income stream apart from the cash transfers, I see livestock investment as a way to multiply my wealth, as they reproduce. As a young family still growing, my husband and I see the importance of establishing a strong financial foundation to provide for our family's future needs, including food, clothing, and their educational requirements. Alongside this, I also plan to extend one room in our house. We now have an infant whom we share a room with, but as he grows, he will need his own space.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I usually save $24 through a savings group in my community. My goal is to accumulate enough funds to purchase a bigger and more comfortable bed. As our family grows, we find ourselves in need of a larger sleeping space, as the current one feels cramped with three people sharing it. My husband, who works as a motorbike rider, often spends most of his earnings on essential needs like food, making it challenging for him to save funds for other necessities, including furniture. The remaining $10 from the savings usually goes towards buying food. I am grateful that ever since we started receiving the cash transfers, food has not been a concern, as the money helps me contribute, supplementing the little that my husband provides.
 
14th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($23 USD)
access_time 5 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Presently, I reside in a house with mud-thatched walls, and my objective for the upcoming year is to upgrade these mud walls to sturdy stone walls. To realize this ambition, I plan to utilize the savings accrued in my savings club, along with the transfers expected in the future. The significance of having a stone wall lies in its stability, ensuring resilience against heavy rains and ultimately enhancing the security of my home. With this improvement, I am filled with optimism for the future, eagerly anticipating the accomplishment of further goals in the times ahead.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
GiveDirectly has truly been a blessing in my life and for my family. Through the support provided, I am now the proud owner of a flourishing poultry business, boasting a flock of over 20 birds. These transfers have not only empowered me to enhance my livelihood but have also enabled me to renovate my house and invest in furniture, marking a significant improvement from our previous circumstances. Previously, securing basic necessities like food and clothing was a substantial challenge, given the limited income from my husband's motorcycle taxi operation. The transfers from GiveDirectly have played a crucial role in supplementing our financial resources and bringing newfound happiness to our lives. From the transfers received, I strategically saved $72 in our local savings club, with plans to utilize it in the coming year. The remaining $30 was wisely invested in purchasing additional chicks, thereby expanding and fortifying my poultry business. I am genuinely content with the progress I have achieved in my life, acknowledging that such positive transformations would have been impossible without the invaluable support of GiveDirectly.
 
10th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($24 USD)
access_time 9 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the upcoming year and beyond, my primary objective is to enhance the size of my current residence, which is rather small and lacks sufficient space. By adding an extra room, I will create ample space to accommodate both my belongings and visiting relatives. To achieve this, I intend to save a portion of my monthly income and allocate it towards the construction of the house. This endeavor will not only improve my living conditions but also foster a welcoming environment for my loved ones when they visit.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
One week prior to receiving my July transfers, I fell ill with a severe case of diarrhea. Initially, the condition was manageable, but as the days passed, it worsened significantly, rendering me unable to perform any household duties. Thanks to the financial assistance from the transfers, I could afford a $15 visit to the hospital, where I received proper treatment and medication, leading to a substantial improvement in my health compared to two weeks ago. With $20 of the remaining funds, I have devised a prudent investment plan - to purchase some hens. I firmly believe that acquiring these hens is a wise decision. Over the next few months, they are likely to multiply, presenting a valuable opportunity for potential income. Additionally, in the event of an emergency, I can always sell some of the hens to address any urgent situation that may arise.
 
6th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($27 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?
The house that I am currently living in not big enough for my family considering that the family is still growing big. Therefore my biggest goal this year is to improve and expand it to a size that would be suitable for my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I plan to buy goats and start a livestock rearing project, and therefore with the transfers that I recently received of KES.3470, I haven't cashed out any single amount of it. I planned to keep the money and spend it together with the transfers that I would be receiving next month to enable me to but 2 goats at once since I do not want to buy one at a time.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3627 KES ($30 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Ever since I got introduced to the organization I can only see say that my life has taken a turn for the better. I have nothing but great compliments and gratitude to give the organization so far because it has so far assisted us to escape poverty and starvation.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I was really excited to receive the funds when I did especially because it was completely unexpected at the time. After I got the chance to withdraw the money, I ended up spending KES 1,200 by purchasing an attire because most of my clothes were old and worn out. I then proceeded to deposit KES 1,350 to my savings account because I was hoping to start up a business later on to help me sustain my family better. Lastly I spent the remaining KES 300 by purchasing one packet of wheat flour and cooking oil.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1060 KES ($9 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was in the evening and I was about to sleep when I heard a notification of a message received on my phone. I woke and reached for my phone. I was so pleased to have received some money because I confirmed the money came from GiveDirectly. I waited for my husband and told him about the support program and the money received. The news was exciting and intriguing to him. He was pleased and after a discussion; we bought ourselves some clothes.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that have never taken part in a program that sends cash to its beneficiaries. Receiving a mobile phone as well has enabled me to communicate with my husband while at work and with my friends and family back at home. I am also grateful that with my new married life there is a difference in what I wear with my husband and all this is because of this support program.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I got married and moved to my home to start a new life as a married woman. My husband works as a motorcycle rider. We are newly married without a child. My husband has been taking care of all our basic needs but because of financial constraints, not able to buy me some new clothes. When I got enrolled in the support program, I received a mobile phone and so I received $10.6 which I used $8 to buy second-hand clothes for myself and my husband the remaining was enough to buy some sugar because I had run out of sugar on that day I received the cash. We were both delighted to have changed our wardrobe. I am grateful I got enrolled in the program.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I'm an eighth born in a family of ten currently just resting in the village after missing a chance to join high school due to lack of funds. When I finished my primary education, my father openly declared that he wasn't able to take me through high school and that I should give him sometime to pool funds so that I could join village polytechnic instead. But right now this has been quite too long with family issues erupting everyday. When I receive this money I want to just effectively save up my transfers so that I can raise enough money to start paying my college fees on my own.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My life is already hard enough and so there's very little to smile about. But I'm still very happy because yesterday I got to be censused after a long wait. We already though that GiveDirectly skipped us because every agent always just ask us for directions into the village but no one has shown any interest in serving us. Two days ago out of anxiety, we decided to call hotline number and explain our case. I'm glad it worked out and yesterday they sent somebody to specifically visit us. Thanks a lot to GiveDirectly for that.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have a ton load of challenges all steming from lack of financial resources. I only managed to finish primary school education which can not get me any formal or well paying job out here. Currently I do not even have the means to enroll into a village polytechnic so that I can learn some practical skills that I can apply to earn a living.