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 > Bendera's Profile
Bendera's family
Bendera
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
faceAge:
46
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($442 USD)
access_time over 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 a new goal that I didn't have before receiving the cash transfer which is to own dairy cows. This type of farming can do so well in my region since the climate is favourable. Therefore having them will empower me to start supplying milk in different dairy shops hence earning an income. The cash will enable me to pay fees for my kids unlike now whereby I have been depending on the charcoal business which is a seasonal one.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well by helping us financially. This was the best idea ever because we all have different needs in our household and by so doing, we were all able to fulfil the desires of our hearts. I also do not see any part that the organisation went astray, all went well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on paying fees of KES 20000 for my two children who are in high school years two and three respectively. I am so thankful that the money came in good time because they would miss the exams. I had no idea how I would get the fees needed since I am a widow who relies on a meagre income. I also bought building materials such as iron sheets, building poles, nails, and timber at a total of KES 26000. I had intended to build a new house for my two sons who have been sheltering at my relative's houses for years. This situation has been stressing both of us since my relatives started complaining about the unavailability of space to accommodate my children. I thank GiveDirectly for this support because I can't tell how the situation would have been. Additionally, I bought two goats at KES 6600 which I am keeping in my compound as assets that will empower me to pay fees for my kids without straining. Finally, I bought food for my four kids and other household needs.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($474 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was on the third day after the transfers were sent to the various recipients in our village including me when I knew that I was also a beneficiary. As my helper was on his daily hustles, he heard people talking about the transfers they received, he became curious and thought maybe I was not included in the beneficiaries’ list. When he returned in the evening he informed me and took my phone to confirm. He was amazed to realize that I had been moving around with a huge figure of money without knowing. I felt so happy for knowing that, I was not left out of the GiveDirectly plan.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Initially, my living condition was not pleasing. I was fending from hand to mouth since I had no defined source of income. At some point, I could stay up to two days without getting some food but as of now, I am thankful for the aid I received from GiveDirectly. I am now assured of some daily food not as before. In addition to that, my secondary school children are also happy at school since they are learning comfortably because the fees were all paid.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I withdrew the money, I planned to construct a house for my children which I did. I bought 16 pieces of iron sheets for KES 11680.00. I also bought some poles and rafters as well as paid the contractor. After settling the housing issue, I bought two goats for KES 6600.00 so that they can mark the presence of GiveDirectly at my home. Since I have three children who are in school, I paid school fees of KES 20000.00 for 2 children who are in secondary school and KES 2000.00 for the other one who is in primary school. Thereafter, I opted to keep the remaining amount for the family's needs.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a widow with 7 children under my care. My husband died 5 years ago and I have been surviving through doing a business of selling Palm wine. My business is good although is a small business. It gives me a profit of KES 600 in a day. I am running the business with a capital of KES 5000.This capital is very small. I use this profit to meet my daily needs in my house which is too small to sustain the house needs in a daily basis. I do not save any money. Receiving this money means I will increase the capital to KES 25,000 so that I earn a profit of KES 3600 in a day. I will spend KES 20,000 to buy food for my family so that I keep my profit until the end of the year to buy a piece of land for farming. I will use the second transfer to open a retail vegetable kiosk for my daughter who completed her secondary school so that we can maximize the revenue for my house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I slaughtered a chicken and enjoyed with rice during the Christmas.This brought joy and happiness to me seeing my family had reached Christmas of another year.This brought joy and happiness to me as a mother seeing all my children together in my house.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The profit I get is very small and cannot sustain the needs of my family. I have a burden of school fees, I buy food every day for the family and also I have a sick child who was admitted in hospital and needs KES3400 to clear the bills.