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.
Annah's family
access_time over 2 years ago
Annah received a $495 initial payment.
"With the first KES19500 of my first transfer, I managed to obtain a 3000liter water tank currently planning to set its foundation so that we can use it in collecting rainwater from the roof. Fetching water from the river had been so challenging especially during dry seasons when everyone fetches from the same point and obtaining a water tank will reduce the frequency of walking to and from the river on such seasons. I also bought a cow to add to the one that had been supplying us with milk. I needed an additional cow to serve us if the one we already have stopped producing milk as we had been buying whenever that happens. I also purchased some food worth KES 6000 after topping up the remaining amount with my savings as we needed maize to keep us going as our harvest in the past season was poor. I am grateful that all we have done is impressive and now looking forward to the second transfer."
Alice's family
access_time over 2 years ago
Alice received a $495 initial payment.
"Clearing the debt I had and settling all the school fees for the ongoing semester for my two sons is the biggest difference in my daily life. I had been struggling a lot to raise their school fees from the small farming activities I had been doing even though they have never been sufficient. At the moment, I can relax knowing that all the major financial obligations I had have been met and will be able to raise enough for the following terms from the improved farming I am doing at the moment."
Neema's family
access_time over 2 years ago
Neema received a $495 initial payment.
"I spent part of my first transfer on buyng new school uniforms for my six children who are in primary schools at a total of KES 5000 . Their previous ones have been worn out and they were even mocked by their friends and this used to lower self-esteem in school. In addition, I bought three mattresses at KES 8700 which were to replace old mats on the floor which was never comfortable. I later cleared school fees of KES 10000 for my son who was stuck because of the huge arrears. In addition, I bought two goats at a total of KES 5700 to serve as the security whenever I experience any emergency. With the remaining amount of money, I am using it in buying enough foodstuffs for my family."
Chepkoech's family
access_time over 2 years ago
Chepkoech received a $495 initial payment.
"I thought it would be a great idea to acquire a dairy cow that could supply our household with milk. Before, we had to buy the same, at KES 60 per litre, every day. This was too costly for us, especially since I am unemployed and have no source of income. So I spent KES 20,000 on the acquisition of a one. I also spent KES 20,000 on tilling the land for the cultivation of maize and beans. Finally, I spent KES 10,000 on buying food, including rice, maize and sugar. I'm glad that we now have enough food for the four of us."
Kadzo's family
access_time over 2 years ago
Kadzo received a $495 initial payment.
"I have been married for over twenty years and life has never been smooth even a single day. My biggest problem was shelter, I have always been dreaming of at least owning a decent house that would accommodate all my family members but this was not possible at all. Therefore this forced all my five children to seek shelter from different compounds far away from the village which according to me I felt that they were not safe and they might get harmed. It has always been stressing me and to make the matter worse, whenever it could rain, they were not able to seek shelter becasue of the harsh weather. Therefore we had to squeeze ourselves n the single room till dawn. This was very frustrating and embarrassing because all my children were teenagers and it wasn't right for me to share a room with them. However, we had no option because I have been depending on casual jobs with very low income (KES 100) per day which was not enough to cater to all the needs. I am now happy because I have been able to build a decent house that can accommodate all my family members which has been my desire."
Chepkemoi's family
access_time over 2 years ago
Chepkemoi received a $495 initial payment.
"I was happy to receive this transfer from GiveDirectly because I had started the construction of a new house for my family a few months before. I, however, could not afford to finish its construction because of a lack of money. I work as an ECD teacher. Sadly, I have been on unpaid leave for a while now, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So I spent KES 40,000 on the necessary material and labour to complete the construction of our home. Since we did not own any furniture, I also spent KES 13,000 on buying three new chairs."
Kitsao's family
access_time over 2 years ago
Kitsao received a $495 initial payment.
"The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am now happy after boosting my livestock business after investing KES 20,000 into it. I am currently earning a good profit which helps me in meeting the basic needs like food without much toiling."
Sidi's family
access_time over 2 years ago
Sidi received a $495 initial payment.
"I was in the grazing field herding my goats. I vividly remember it was around 9 o'clock when I heard my phone ringing. I did not understand the meaning of the messages since I am illiterate and I did bother myself checking. I waited until 4 o'clock when my helper come back home from school so he may check my phone. I was overwhelmed with joy when he informed me that I had received my transfer. We together celebrated since I know that my kids will finally be able to learn without any problem."
Zeddy's family
access_time over 2 years ago
Zeddy enrolled.
"The biggest challenge we are facing is lack of food and proper nutrition. We live in a semi-arid area and our land is not productive. It has been 10 good years since we had a bumper maize harvest. We are forced to purchase foodstuff which is very costly when feeding a family of seven. We spend about KES 250 out of the KES 300 per day to buy maize meal, vegetables and milk. We hardly have a balanced diet and this has affected the growth and development of my 10 year old daughter."
Sidi's family
access_time over 2 years ago
Sidi received a $495 initial payment.
"It was exactly 8:30 AM when I was just from the bed then my phone started vibrating loudly. Since I am old and illiterate I asked my daughter-in-law to confirm who it was. Upon checking, she realized that it was the long-awaited Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I was extremely happy and Immediately I started picturing what I was going to spend the money on with my family."