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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25 days ago
Morena
received a $349 second payment.
"For this year and the years to come, my primary goal is to stay focused on farming. I believe that farming will provide the necessary capital to boost my business and increase my sources of income. With this additional income, I can give my family the kind of life I desire, filled with comfort and opportunities. I want to become a remarkable woman and mother who can support her children and help them achieve their dreams. By dedicating myself to farming and my business, I am building a better future for my family and myself."
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25 days ago
Kobilo
enrolled.
"As a family of three, we depend on fish farming to earn a living. However, sometimes we run into losses because the fish can sometimes go bad or even you lack a customer. Therefore one will dispose of them. Now I hope to get a backup plan to fish trading, I plan on adding more goats to my current herd therefore secure a future for my family. I plan on spending KES 25000 on purchasing 5 goats. I also plan on spending 70000 on clearing school fees for my grandson in college. This will help him stay in school without worrying about being sent away to collect fees. I will be glad to continue with my fish business while diverting the profits to other family issues."
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25 days ago
Margaret
enrolled.
"We have a family boat providing transport services in Lake Baringo. This is our main source of family income, it is unfortunate that for the last one year the business has been performing poorly. I am planning to shift to commercial fishing. When I receive my transfers from GiveDirectly, I will use $150 to buy quality fishing nets and tap more income from fishing. I am that with these transfers from GiveDirectly, I see my dream of livestock farming coming true. I plan to set aside $150 to purchase ten goats.
Additionally, I am planning to spend $230 of my transfers to pay school fees for my grandson Luis Kemboi who is studying in Moi Kabartonjo secondary school."
(Occupation: Small business)
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25 days ago
Samuel
received a $27 twenty-fifth payment.
"In the upcoming year, I initially planned to buy a motorbike. However, I've encountered some difficulties saving enough money, especially since I need to pay my school fees as a third-form secondary school student. So, I’ve decided to shift my focus. Instead, I’m looking into starting a grocery business and will hire someone at a small fee to manage it while I’m at school. I believe that the earnings from this venture will eventually help me purchase that motorbike in the future. Since I’m still studying and almost finished with my secondary education, having someone oversee the business seems like the wisest choice for now. I’m truly grateful to GiveDirectly for the financial support, which has made it easier for me to attend school and pursue my future plans."
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25 days ago
Monicah
enrolled.
"Our new house has stagnated due to lack of sufficient funds to complete it. The transfer will be of immense importance towards its completion. It will mean a bigger and better house for our young family. We plan to spend about $300 towards its completion.
Goats do well here and multiply fast. We plan to establish it. Putting in about $500 will buy us almost ten goats. They will act as an income cushion in the future. Goats are easily sellable especially during festive seasons like December and April.
Since our business is also struggling and good sales periods are seasonal. We plan to add more stock into the business. Good profits from the business will meet our immediate needs such as food or clothing for our children. The rest of the transfer amount will go into supporting our business."
(Occupation: Small business)
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25 days ago
Sote
received a $155 initial payment.
"The arrival of the cash transfer changed everything for my family. I immediately used $50 to pay for my daughter's school fees, which had been a constant source of stress for me. I used to juggle casual jobs, sell groceries, and participate in a women’s table banking group just to scrape together enough money for her education. It was a struggle, but now I can finally breathe easy, knowing that she can attend school without any worries. Furthermore, I spent another $50 on food for my family of eight children. With my husband working as a casual laborer, providing enough meals for everyone was a challenge. We often had to rely on each other to make ends meet, and the food we bought with this money made a significant difference in our daily lives. For the first time in a while, we could enjoy regular meals together, which made us all happier. In addition, I allocated $100 to construct a pit latrine because we had no toilet in our home. Before this, I had to use the church toilet, which was inconvenient and uncomfortable. Although my toilet is not yet finished, I am determined to complete it when I receive my next transfer. Life was tough before this support, with constant worries about school fees and food. I am truly grateful to GiveDirectly for this help; it has allowed me to focus on other priorities and improved our quality of life significantly."
(Occupation: Small business)
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25 days ago
Lonah
received a $349 second payment.
"In the coming years, I am determined to establish a steady business, selling both clothes and groceries, as I’ve always been passionate about business. Although I tried before and it didn’t succeed, I am more focused now and ready to make it work. Running this business will provide a reliable income for my family, which is especially important as a single mother without a husband to share the responsibilities. I know that supporting my children solely on casual jobs is challenging, so having a stable source of income will bring us security. With this business, I’ll be able to provide for their needs consistently. My goal is to create a brighter future where I can raise my children comfortably and confidently."
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25 days ago
Melycine
received a $349 second payment.
"Building a safe home for my family has been a top priority, especially after floods damaged our previous shelter. I used my entire second cash transfer of $450 to construct two rooms with iron sheets: one room to replace our damaged house and another specifically for my children. Our previous home was unstable and nearly collapsing, and the room where my children stayed was made of grass and mud, which the floods swept away completely. This support from GiveDirectly gave us a chance to rebuild and create a more secure environment for my family.My husband and I face many challenges as we work to provide for our five children. Although he does his best with farming, he has a disability from an accident ten years ago that prevents him from doing heavy labor. This makes it difficult to earn enough on our own to cover all our needs, and we often had to live day-to-day without knowing if we could make improvements to our lives. With this transfer, however, I was able to ensure we have a safer home for everyone, giving us much-needed peace of mind. Additionally, I work by selling vegetables and fruits at the local center, but life was hard before receiving this support, as the income from my small business was not enough for such a big need like housing. Now, our lives feel more stable, and I can focus on growing my business instead of worrying about the safety of our shelter. The cash transfer has truly made a positive difference, allowing us to recover and plan for a better future."
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25 days ago
Purity
received a $349 second payment.
"In the coming years, I plan to focus on farming, which I believe will be a strong foundation for my family's future. By dedicating myself to growing crops, I hope to earn enough income to eventually open a small shop in my village. This business would provide a steady source of income, reducing my dependence on uncertain casual jobs. With a stable shop, I could more reliably support my children’s education and cover household needs. Farming will not only provide us with food but also the extra proceeds needed to invest in this shop. I am determined to make this vision a reality, creating a sustainable future for my family."
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25 days ago
Haron
enrolled.
"Receiving the cash transfers means so much for me and my family. I believe it will change my life positively. For the first cash transfer I plan to grow grass which will be a source of income for my family. I will use about KES 18000. For the second cash transfer I intend to use about KES 30000 to build a fishing boat and purchase nets for fishing. For the remaining KES 15000 I intend to further invest in growing grass for sale. For the third cash transfer I intend to boost my fishing business by employing three fishermen whom we will work together in furthering my fishing expedition."
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