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.
Kazungu's family
access_time 6 months ago
Kazungu received a $27 twenty-second payment.
"My foremost aspiration is to attain ownership of my own parcel of land, a place I can proudly call home. Currently, I reside on family land, but it's not a situation I feel entirely content with. I yearn for the independence and security that having my own piece of land would afford me. With this land, I envision building a house for my nuclear family, a place where we can thrive and grow together. It's more than just a structure; it's a symbol of stability and a foundation for our future. I am determined to work diligently towards this goal, saving every penny and exploring every opportunity to make it a reality. Having our own place would not only fulfil a personal dream but also provide a sense of belonging and permanence that is invaluable to us." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
Baraka's family
access_time 6 months ago
Baraka received a $26 twenty-sixth payment.
"Looking forward to the upcoming year and beyond, my main priority is to acquire land. Growing up in a polygamous family, suitable land is scarce, which has fueled my determination to secure a plot for my family's future settlement. Establishing a stable home for my loved ones is of utmost importance to me, and owning land would offer the stability and security necessary for our future endeavors. Therefore, my objective is to diligently save and invest my income towards purchasing land, ensuring a strong foundation for my family's well-being and prosperity in the years ahead." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
Rajab's family
access_time 6 months ago
Rajab received a $26 twenty-fifth payment.
"At this very moment, my entire attention is devoted to ensuring my brother's enrollment in nursing school. It's a mission fueled not just by duty but by a deep sense of commitment to his dreams. I see the transfers as more than just financial support; they're the key to unlocking his future. Combining them with the earnings from my bodaboda hustle, I'm determined to pave the way for his educational journey, ensuring he not only starts but successfully completes his studies. And once he's on his way to fulfilling his dreams, then I'll turn my attention to mine. But for now, his education is my priority, my purpose." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
Jeniffer's family
access_time 6 months ago
Jeniffer enrolled.
"We used to live a happy life with my family until three months ago when everything took a different turn. My husband who is the sole breadwinner of the family had gone for a casual job to earn a living for the family. This turned out to be tragic, he was lifting a 90 kg bag of maize to a lorry when he felt a sharp pain on his back and paralyzed him. He was rushed to Marigat for medical attention where he was diagnosed with blood cloth in the vein. He was later referred to Eldoret for specialized treatment. He was required to have KES 250,000 for treatment. It is unfortunate that we were not able to raise that amount of money and we decided to come back home. I am now struggling financially to provide for my family and put food on the table. I am also feeling sad when I see my husband in pain and his health worsen each and every day." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
Emmanuel's family
access_time 6 months ago
Emmanuel enrolled.
"First and foremost, I want to use this money to build my family a new, decent house because the one we currently reside in is almost falling apart due to damage from heavy rains. To achieve this, I will spend $393 in total, put $300 into Watu credit to buy a motorcycle for business use and pay the remaining amount in installments over time, and spend $120 on four goats.The remaining $287 will be used to buy groceries, clothing, and furniture for the house."
Karisa's family
access_time 6 months ago
Karisa received a $27 twenty-fifth payment.
"I'm grateful to have received a motorcycle though on loan . I relocated to the city where business prospects are better, aiming to earn enough to pay off the loan. Additionally, I set up a vegetable business for my wife to help support our family. Going forward, my main goal is to expand the vegetable business. Once it becomes stable, it will generate extra income, allowing us to focus on fully paying off the motorcycle loan." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
Hamisi's family
access_time 7 months ago
Hamisi received a $27 twenty-fifth payment.
"My main goal is to use my future payments to invest in livestock, specifically goats. I'm also skilled at designing clothes and earn money by sewing but i want to major in livestock farming because it has good returns. I want to start raising goats to make extra income to help my mother, who sells livestock but sometimes struggles because her income isn't steady. With more money, I can also support my five siblings with their school fees, especially since we lost our dad. I love seeing them do well in life. I'm already part of a savings group where I put in $12, and it will be my turn to get money in December. I'll use that money to buy more goats and partly pay for my siblings' fees. Life is tough, so I need to work really har" (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
Daniel's family
access_time 7 months ago
Daniel received a $27 twenty-sixth payment.
"With my monthly transfer, my main goal is to help my sisters with school. Seeing how hard they work in their studies makes me hopeful about their future success and our family getting out of being poor. At the same time, I want to start a goat business to make more money. When the goats get bigger and I sell them, I think I'll make some good money. I'm grateful for the first bit of money that got me started on this plan, and I feel lucky for it. Right now, I have seven goats, but I want to get more to make even more money" (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
Reuben's family
access_time 7 months ago
Reuben received a $26 twenty-first payment.
"My plan is to use the transfers from GiveDirectly to purchase more goats and expand my livestock holdings. I intend to nurture them diligently, aiming for their numbers to multiply over time. My ultimate goal is to build a substantial herd, which I can then sell for a significant profit in the future. This venture fills me with hope and excitement, as it represents a pathway towards greater financial stability for my family. Additionally, I am committed to continuing my hard work with my motorcycle. By saving diligently from my earnings, I aim to boost my finances further. With time, I envision my savings growing, boosted by the proceeds from goat sales. Together, these funds will pave the way for the realization of my lifelong dream: building a sturdy and permanent home for my family. The thought of providing my loved ones with a secure and comfortable dwelling fills me with immense joy and gratitude. It's a dream that has sustained me through difficult times, and now, thanks to the support from GiveDirectly, it is within reach. I am very grateful for this opportunity and excited for the bright future it holds for my family." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
Rahel's family
access_time 7 months ago
Rahel received a $416 initial payment.
"When I received my first transfer from GiveDirectly, I had several things in mind that I needed to do. With a leaking tin roof over our heads, I decided to prioritize fixing the roof. I bought 22 iron sheets to replace the ones that were causing the leaks. It was a relief to know that my family would be protected from the rain and other elements. Next, I turned my attention to providing better sleeping arrangements for my children. With six children and them sleeping on the floor, space is always tight. So, I purchased two beds—one sized 6*6 and the other 4.5*6. It's important to me that my children have a comfortable place to rest after a long day. As a hairdresser and tailor,I bought new equipment and supplies to enhance my services and attract more clients. It's fulfilling to see my businesses thriving and contributing to our household income. Additionally, I purchased a bundle of maize flour to ensure that we have enough food to sustain us. My husband, who works as a motorcycle rider, also contributes to the support of our family. Together, we make a great team, striving to provide the best possible life for our children. Overall, the unconditional cash transfer has been a lifeline for us. It has allowed us to address urgent needs, improve our living conditions, and invest in our future. We are grateful for the support and look forward to better days ahead."
motorcycle