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 > Denis's Profile
Denis's family
Denis
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
34
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($359 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?
Expanding my farming activities is a key goal for me, and I'm eager to lease a larger farm compared to the one I'm currently using. This decision is rooted in the belief that a bigger farm will allow me to maximize the production of crops and ultimately contribute to my financial stability. The larger farm will provide me with the space needed to cultivate a wider variety of crops, potentially increasing both the quantity and diversity of my harvests. This, in turn, will not only benefit my family's food security but also offer surplus crops that can be sold for income. By diversifying the crops I grow and expanding the scale of my farming operations, I aim to create a sustainable source of revenue. This will not only help me meet our daily needs but also enable me to plan for the future, whether it's investing in further agricultural expansion, providing for my family's education and healthcare, or addressing any unforeseen challenges. I'm grateful for the opportunities that GiveDirectly's support has opened up for me, and I'm committed to using these resources to build a more stable and prosperous future for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
It brings me immense joy to express my gratitude towards GiveDirectly for the transformative impact they've had on my life and our entire community. Since receiving support from GiveDirectly, I have been able to advance in my agricultural endeavors and cultivate a larger farm. This expansion has not only increased our agricultural output but also boosted our potential for generating more income from the farm's produce. One of the most notable changes we've witnessed is the improvement in living standards for many members of our village. Through the financial assistance provided, people have been able to invest in various income-generating activities, which, in turn, have lifted them out of poverty and provided a more secure livelihood. Additionally, the reduction in the need for school fundraisers in our community is a significant achievement. It signifies that parents and caregivers now have the financial means to support their children's education, ensuring that they can stay in school without disruptions due to fee arrears or other financial constraints. We are genuinely appreciative of GiveDirectly's generosity and support, which has brought about positive change and hope for a better future for our community. The impact has been far-reaching, touching many lives and inspiring us to work towards even greater heights of prosperity and self-sufficiency.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The impact of GiveDirectly's cash transfers on my life has been nothing short of transformational. With the financial assistance I received, I was able to make substantial improvements to my living conditions and invest in my family's future. One of the first things I did was purchase essential furniture. I acquired two beds and a mattress for $130, a significant upgrade from the makeshift sleeping arrangements I had been using. Now, I have a comfortable place to rest, and I can even accommodate visitors with an extra bed. This has greatly improved the quality of life for my family and me. I also invested in creating a more welcoming and comfortable home by buying two chairs for $50. These chairs not only provide seating for guests but also make our living space more inviting and conducive to socializing. Additionally, I recognized the importance of expanding our agricultural activities. I decided to lease a 2-acre piece of land for $350, located a bit farther from home. On this land, I've planted maize and potatoes. This move was strategic because the land at home was limited, and I needed space for my cows to graze. Now, I can diversify our farming efforts, ensuring a more stable source of food and potential income for my family. We are immensely grateful for this assistance, which has made a profound difference in our lives.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($443 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I recall that moment I got the text showing that I had received money from GiveDirectly. I was at the shopping centre when I heard my phone vibrating. When I checked to confirm where the text came from, I was at a loss for words when I realised that I had received money from GiveDirectly. I called my wife and broke the good news to her and she was equally happy. We were happy to have such support because we knew we will accomplish our goals.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I am delighted to say that the transfer enabled me to realize my dream in a relatively short period. Building a decent home for my family is a lifetime achievement and a milestone that I did not expect to reach quickly due to financial constraints. I am grateful to have received the transfers that have improved our lives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I got my transfer, I decided to build a decent house for my family. This was due to the small size of the house in which I was living. Due to financial constraints, I was unable to construct a decent house. I work as a casual labourer and also depend on farming to earn a living. As a result, I spent $450 on building a house. Finally, I spent the remaining funds on food. I am overjoyed to have accomplished so much in such a short period.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
A major investment that someone can consider in this place now is livestock keeping. The weather at least is favourable to this venture and my parents have enough land for keeping these livestock. I would therefore like to spend these transfers to buy 4 bulls for meat production and also keep poultry. This will set a base for me in venturing into this new business. I hope to sell the bulls in future after fattening them for at least 2 years for a price that will triple the $1000 transfer that you'll be giving me and this will at least enable me to have a new bigger house. The poultry meanwhile will be a continuous source of income helping me to meet my daily needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am happy that we have enough land space in our family to accommodate my siblings and I. The source of most family conflicts around here is usually inadequate land space but for us we thank God because we have enough.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Maize farming had been my business for 5 years but due to crop diseases that emerged and unpredictable weather pattern, I had to quit farming and I had to depend on casual labor. This is where my problems started because my wife of 2 years left me because I couldn't provide for the family anymore and my dream of owning a bigger house was shuttered. I am currently living in a small flat roof house which provides a space enough for 1 person. The casual jobs that I do can only fetch me an average of $0.80 a day which cannot meet all my needs. I usually wonder what I would have done to feed my family if my wife was still living with me.