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.
Emaculate's family
access_time almost 2 years ago
Emaculate enrolled.
"On October 6, 2022, my husband was in a motorcycle accident, and he hasn't been able to work since. I was also fortunate to give birth to a three-month-old child. Since my spouse is unable to work and the informal work I perform does not provide enough income for us and the kids, my current concern is a shortage of funds. We occasionally go without eating. I also have a daughter and son who are in test season, and I have no idea how I'll pay for their tuition."
Sidi's family
access_time almost 2 years ago
Sidi received a $25 second payment.
"I saved half of my transfer of $15 dollars in a saving groups with the intention of saving more money and buying building materials such as iron sheets, building poles, nails, sand and cement. My tiny delapidated structure is on the verge of collapsing because of the weak poles. Acquiring these materials will help me improve the house and guarantee safety of my family members. Besides buying saving some money, I spent the other half amounting to $15 on buying food. The poor condition of my health is an obstacle towards working, earning an income and helping to cater to my families needs.I depend on my son who supports us financially and works as a motorcycle rider in Mombasa town. He does not earn much from his job so sometimes we are forced to sleep on empty stomachs whenever he fails to send us money."
Katana's family
access_time almost 2 years ago
Katana enrolled.
"I was once a motorcycle taxi but I got into an accident that forced me to stay jobless. Considering our area is not productive in terms of farming, I am now depending on charcoal work as my source of income. This job earns me very little, usually $60 a month, an income that goes into settling my bills leaving me with nothing to save. This situation has made me live in a horrible house because I can not afford to construct a decent one. Since our area is prone to elephants' inhabitation, I have always been in fear and this has never given me peace. What a sorrowful life!"
Leerog's family
access_time almost 2 years ago
Leerog received a second payment.
"I decided buy house building materials" (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)
Baraka's family
access_time almost 2 years ago
Baraka received a $437 second payment.
"I had poor bedding and, regrettably, no money to purchase a mattress and other bedding. I was previously sleeping on a tiny, two-and-a-half-inch mattress, which was very uncomfortable. Because I have never had a bed, I could just spread it out on the floor. I bought a mattress and a bed with a portion of my second transfer ($128 total). I also made a down payment of $150 to purchase a second-hand motorcycle. I can consistently make $5 to $10 per day from it. I used to be over-reliant on part-time jobs that barely paid $5 per day. Last but not least, I spent $70 on maize flour, which enabled us to have enough food for more than a month. As a family, we are indebted to GiveDirectly."
Francis's family
access_time almost 2 years ago
Francis received a $25 second payment.
"I was really excited to receive the funds when I did especially because I cannot fend for myself. I was diagnosed with a problem with my mental stability some couple of years ago which has made it very hard for me to actually acquire a job. Therefore,I end up depending on my mother who also depends on one of his grandchildren who rides a motorcycle to make ends meet. That is why when I received the transfers I decided to go ahead and use the entire KES 3,000 on nutrition for myself and my family because we barely had any food and drought has made things much more worse."
Gilbert's family
access_time almost 2 years ago
Gilbert received a $437 second payment.
"I spent $320 on purchasing a dairy cow, I had always wished to own a dairy cow but I did not have the money. I am a motorcycle taxi operator and the money that I would get daily was for basic household needs. I had no extra money to invest in dairy keeping project. I would spend $5 per week on buying milk. This was so costly since I had no other steady source of income. When I received the transfer from GiveDirectly I felt so happy because this was the chance to buy a dairy cow. Currently, I no longer buy milk like before. My children get enough milk and they are so grateful for the support. This had given me peace of mind to do my work perfectly since I no longer worried about where to get the money for milk. I spent $100 on purchasing materials and building a small decent kitchen house. I used to own a small grass-thatched kitchen house but I know I have a decent and more spacious one. The rest of the money I spent on food and other household basic needs. I am so grateful because GiveDirectly has changed our living standards."
Peter's family
access_time almost 2 years ago
Peter received a $437 second payment.
"I am a motorcycle taxi rider married and blessed with four children. Upon the receipt of my second transfer, I opted to use my transfer on starting a goat-rearing project where I bought six goats worth $200. This is because I knew that the goat is drought resistant and easy to manage compared to other animals. I was not in a position to start one before due to financial constraints due to school fees, responsibilities and other basic needs. Secondly, I thought of completing my incomplete house where I used $120 on its completion. Lastly, I bought foodstuffs for my family with the remaining amount. I have achieved a lot within a short period. The support from GiveDirectly has been of great help thus, I am grateful."
Tamandani's family
access_time almost 2 years ago
Tamandani received a $345 initial payment.
"I spent my cash transfer on purchasing bags of fertilizer..I managed to buy 3 bags of fertilizer and spent a sum of $140 and about $8 for transportation..I am hoping that I will use the fertilizer in my maize field to increase fertility of the soil and promoting growth. I used the other part of the money to purchase 3 bags of maize at an approximate amount of $66..The food will be enough for family since I have 5 kids and also I had a few bags in my house. I have started a transportation business with the cash as I managed to purchase a second hand motorcycle. My husband, Kennedy will be taking people from my village to Mayani trading centre and sometimes from Mayani to Salima district..I this will help in generating day to day income for my family. Lastly, I bought 1 goat at a price of $50 so that I can start raising at home."
Lutifa's family
access_time almost 2 years ago
Lutifa received a $345 initial payment.
"Firstly, I bought agricultural materials as I am planning on growing crops in the next farming season..So I bought 2 bags of fertilizer at a price of $120 with an aim of increasing maize growth. I then bought food that will be enough for my whole family..I got 5 bags of maize at an approximate amount of $100 and I have hope that It will take me until early months next year. Lastly, I have started a transportation business as I managed to purchase a motorcycle which my husband Uster, will be using..For now the business have started and everything is going on well."
motorcycle