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.
Kavumbi's family
access_time 5 years ago
Kavumbi received a $530 initial payment.
"It was around 6 am when my helper came into my room and informed me about the good news that GiveDirectly had sent my first transfer into my account. I felt so happy because I knew there are hopes of living a healthier and better life. I had been sick for years and now I had hopes of finally going to the hospital and getting proper medication."
Kahindi's family
access_time 5 years ago
Kahindi received a $512 second payment.
"As a parent and in my area, I have always known the best investment was through livestock. This is because despite our area being semi-arid, we can afford to find pasture for them and it's the best investment I could ever get in my life. I tried saving from my casual work to buy livestock and due to low income, I was not able to. I had given up on the dream and decided to focus on ensuring my family had the basic needs. When I received my second transfer, I used part of it to buy two bulls which I use for cultivating my farm. I can also cultivate other people's farms at a cost which earns me an extra income. I no longer have to pay someone to plough my farm for me. Thanks to GD."
Kahindi's family
access_time 5 years ago
Kahindi enrolled.
"Lack of alternative sources of income has been the biggest hardship in life. A year ago, I used to work in the transport sector and our work was to ferry charcoal using a lorry. Life then was smooth and I could meet the family's needs with much ease. Then came the government directive that prohibited charcoal burning business. My boss couldn't keep up with the constant harassment from the government agencies and led to the untimely closure of business. Since then, I have been jobless and providing for the family has been a real struggle. At the moment, I survive on odd jobs within the village. Receiving this money will enable me to venture into agriculture, and that will better the wellbeing of the family."
Sidi's family
access_time 5 years ago
Sidi enrolled.
"Since we don't have any stable source of income, our biggest priority is to start a business that can generate an income for the family. To achieve this, we intend to put up a charcoal selling store in Mombasa and will be sourcing ready charcoal from the villages. While my husband will be operating it in Mombasa, I will be his point person in the village to ensure the smooth operation of the business. I will also put up a grocery stall within the village. This will be keeping me busy while at the same time generate an additional income for the family. I believe this will boost our self-esteem and subsequently led to a healthier and happy family. "
Nora's family
access_time 5 years ago
Nora enrolled.
"I have depended on my mother for milk in a long time. After receiving this money I am going to purchase a dairy cow worth Kshs 30,000 (300usd). Proceeds from sale of this cow's surplus milk will aid me in paying school fees for my daughter who is 2 years shy of completing high school to join university."
Anna's family
access_time 5 years ago
Anna enrolled.
"For the last ten years I have sacrificed my comfort so my children could gain. I have sponsored three of my children through secondary school and university. Because of this I do not have a comfortable house and receiving this money from GD will bestow me an opportunity to put up a better house for my husband and I. I have estimated that this is going to cost me around Kshs 30,000 (300usd) with labor excluded since my husband is a carpenter and will take up the task. Finally after a long time of hardwork, GiveDirectly has come to accord me a life of dignity in the name of a new house."
Lilian's family
access_time 5 years ago
Lilian enrolled.
"Receiving this money means full package of next year's school fees for my four children in secondary school. This amounts to a total of ksh 25000. This means that the money i could have spend in school will enable me to build up savings that will buy me a sewing machine by mid next year hence starting up a tailoring business since i got skills in it. Ksh 30000 from my transfer will enable me to buy a dairy heifer that will in future produce milk for sale hence boosting the daily income i get from selling 4 Litres of milk at ksh 30 produced by the cow i own. I also intend to buy one 300 litre water tank that will be of great help of harvesting rain water during rainy seasons hence i won't have to travel long distance in search of water whenever it rains."
Judith's family
access_time 5 years ago
Judith received a $469 initial payment.
"This financial support has enabled me pay for a piece of land which when cultivated, its produce will fully benefit my family. Before receiving this money, I hired land for farming that couldn't earn alot for my family because the produce got was used for renting land and family support. Secondly, I have acquire a bed and a new mattress that has made me very happy. Previously, I slept on an old mattress that was uncomfortable without a bed."
Caroline's family
access_time 5 years ago
Caroline received a $22 twentieth payment.
"In the next six months, I expect to see my children who are currently preparing for their final secondary examinations having joined their various colleges. I have a lot of hopea in them that they will really perform and obtain good grades enough to usher them to the next level of education. My expectation also is that, I will have furnished my new house with new furniture which I am currently working hard to see that I obtain. To ensure that my children join college so that I improve my farming. And also my furniture with iron sheets"
Kimtai's family
access_time 5 years ago
Kimtai received a $44 eighth payment.
"In the next six months I am hopeful that I would have started my small shop business. I am currently saving towards it and before long I will start the construction of a shop which will then be followed by stocking with the necessary goods."