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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Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > John's Profile
John's family
John
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Street trading - non-food (self-employed)
faceAge:
42
workCampaign
FSD / Urban Youth
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on John's next check-in.
 
14th Payment
Transfer Amount
3997 KES ($40 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Before the transfers, I did not have a stable source of income. I used to rely on a small amount from construction work which was not consistent. I used to rely on debts which sometimes I would be overwhelmed in paying back. At times, I could not enjoy the company of my friends because I owed them a lot and I had not paid back so I would feel guilty spending time with them as before. Since I started receiving these transfers, I have managed to pay back all the debts and used the remaining amount to start a paper business which has brought a lot of difference in my life. I do not borrow anymore, I can comfortably spend time with my friends and I do not feel overworked as before to provide for my family. The profits from the business have made a lot of financial difference in my life.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life?
My new goal for the transfers is to boost my paper business by adding more stock. The business has been very helpful and it is the reason I have always managed to provide for basic needs of the family. I would want to make it stable so that after the transfers, I may use it to start another business.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer on paying my house rent. I used the little amount I had saved over the holidays in buying school requirements such as uniforms and bags for my children when they were reporting back to school. The rest of the transfer in buying food for the family. I felt it was wise to boost the little stock so that we don't run out of food in the house.
 
12th Payment
Transfer Amount
3997 KES ($39 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is currently different from how it was in that, I do not have stress unlike before. Managing my bills was almost crashing me. I entirely depended on my business which was also not doing well. I used to handle everything with the little money I got. I am glad that through GiveDirectly, my life has totally changed. I was able to achieve most of my goals through their financial support. I have been handling my budget well with the monthly transfer.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life?
My new goal is to boost my business. My aim is to have a good stock by December. I do not want my clients to miss out on anything. Instead, I want to add a variety of goods in order to attract more customers and satisfy their different needs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my transfer to pay part of my rent. I had arrears and I wanted to finish the debts I had with my landlord once and for all. I am glad that I managed to do that with the transfers I got from GiveDirectly. Apart from that, I also managed to boost my business. The business has been supporting my family for quite some time and I am glad all is going well. I finally spent the remaining amount to do a little shopping for my family.
 
8th Payment
Transfer Amount
5000 KES ($48 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Currently, my life is different from how it was in that, I eat well, my business is doing well and the best part of it is paying rent on time. I have managed all these from the profits of the business which I run. I was able to boost my business with the recent transfer and I am grateful because my customers have not been missing the number of goods that they want.
Do you have any new or additional goals for your life?
My new goal is to boost my business. I want to reach a point where the business is stable in that my customers get the packing bags on time and in any amount that they want. In the future, I will incorporate it with M-pesa business so as to get more income.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my transfer to boost my business. I sell packing bags for small scale business traders. Since the Government abolished the plastic bags, I saw this as an opportunity to sell environmental friendly bags and being that one has to use them frequently, the business has been doing well. I have not been able to cope with the high demand and this is why I decided to boost the business so as to get more income. The remaining amount was spent on paying rent and electricity. I am happy that I was able to pay the amount on time because previously, I could borrow money from friends in order to pay my rent but repaying it was not easy because of the low income.
 
4th Payment
Transfer Amount
5000 KES ($50 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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Do you have any new goals that you didn't have before receiving the transfer?
My goal is to grow my business and even become a supplier. Ever since polythene was burned in my country, packing of sold products has become hectic but there I where I can in with my affordable product to serve the community and earn a living as well.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is that Initially before I received the transfers, I used to sell in small scale. There was not much business at the end of the day. The expenses were almost the same as the profits made. So when I increased my stock, considering economies of scale, I have seen an improvement. The sales have gone up and the profit margin has also increased.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I run a business of selling packages. Initially, before I received the transfers, I used to sell in small scale. There was not much business at the end of the day. The expenses were almost the same as the profits made. So when I increased my stock, considering economies of scale, I have seen an improvement. The sales have gone up and the profit margin has also increased.
Describe the moment when you started receiving transfers. How did you feel?
The moment I received my transfer I felt so good. This is because I am now able to increase my business stock. In return, this will boost my earning.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
My first priority is to start making and selling of khaki bags that are environmental friendly in Mabatini village Mathare. Due to polythene ban in our country bybthe government. The demand of khaki bags is high in my place. There is no competition thus providing a ready market for my business and therefore I hope to make a lot of profit in return. Secondly, I will also start selling ladies shoes in my area because they are trendy. The population is high therefore providing a ready market for my business. Lastly, I will use the transfer to buy food and pay rent in my house.
Describe your biggest worry.
My top concern is my health when I fall sick because I will not be able to do my work. My business may collapse and I will also be unable to take care of my upkeep. This will make my life become hard because everything revolves around money. I may also have difficulties in paying my house rent and this may result to it being locked or thrown out by the landlord. I may result to beg or become a burden to my family or even be forced to leave in upcountry.
What are your greatest ambitions?
My ambition is to be a successful business man in future. I would want to open a distilling company and buy equipments that I will use to sell packed mineral water that is pure, clean and safe to drink. I would also want to start a business of importing clothes and shoe and sell them in our local market. The demand of clothes and shoes is high and therefore hope to make a lot of profit in return. I would also want to give back to the society, to the less fortunate because there are many people who are needy.
Describe your usual day. How do you spend your time?
My usual day starts at 5:00am when I wake up. I take bath, have breakfast and then leave for work in town at 7:30am where I do hawking until 9:30pm in the evening. I return back in my house then I retire to bed. In my free time I like reading newspapers, novels, watch movies or listening to music.