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.
Agnes's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Agnes received a $325 second payment.
"I decided to invest a significant portion of the $200 I received into farming. Specifically, I allocated $100 for leasing one hectare of land and the remaining $100 for purchasing necessary inputs. Despite facing financial limitations in the past, my passion for farming has always persisted. Therefore, receiving the transfers filled me with happiness and hope as it presented an opportunity to pursue my long-held dream.I am optimistic that the agricultural produce from this endeavor will not only provide food for my family but also help address the recurring issue of famine in our area. Additionally, any surplus harvested can be sold to meet various household needs. Additionally, I have plans to construct a better and more comfortable house for my family, as our current dwelling is in poor condition. The roof is made of iron sheets, but the walls are constructed from mud and are weak, posing a risk of collapsing during strong winds. To initiate the project, I used $70 to purchase 10 iron sheets. I intend to utilize the upcoming transfers to complete the construction. Recognizing the urgent need, I allocated $30 to buy clothes for my three children, who are currently lacking proper attire and have been wearing worn-out clothes. With the remaining funds, I purchased a sufficient quantity of food to sustain my family for an extended period of time."
Hellen's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Hellen received a $398 second payment.
"It is everyone's prayer to reap well from what he or she sows. Since my family of seven depends on the maize farming on the 1 acre of land I own, I am certain the produce is insufficient to cater for all the family's needs. Therefore, I hope to add another 1 acre piece to sow maize, cow peas, and beans so as to produce food for the household besides the $5 we earn daily from the motorcycle taxi business. We hope to use the income from the motorcycle taxi business as well as the maize sales to make this a success."
Joyce's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Joyce received a second payment.
"Education is the key to life, and everyone desires it for their children. However, financial instability has sometimes made this impossible. When I received the transfers, I cleared the $80 school fee arrears for my daughter in grade 12, as well as term 2 fees of $250. I further spent $150 on purchasing iron sheets for a house I wish to construct on our family farm in Mtwapa. In addition, I purchased two goats for $50 as a financial emergency when need arrived because my family of nine often depends on maize farming for a living, which is not always productive. I am happy that the rains have lately been constant and favorable for the maize, and I am hopeful that we will harvest about 10 bags, unlike the previous seasons when we did not harvest even a bag, therefore depending on my husband Samson, who is a mason, for support. Unfortunately, Samson's job is also unpredictable and seasonal, so we can sometimes stay without any income."
Julius's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Julius received a $398 second payment.
"When I received my transfers, I spent $50 on purchasing stock for the malimali shop that my family of seven sometimes depends on to earn income. I am glad that the profits have doubled, unlike before the transfers. I also paid $100 in school fees for my child in grade 9 and saved the rest for the family's upkeep. At the moment, my family depends on maize and vegetable farming for a living, and I am glad the farm is now productive since the rains have been constant lately, unlike previously, when we could even go months without rain."
Charo's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Charo received a $383 second payment.
"Money is a life changer, but not everyone can afford to have some. I am glad that GiveDirectly made this a success by offering unconditional cash transfers as grants to residents here, and now life has changed. People have educated their children and constructed houses for their families to live in. I am glad that through the transfers, families have all their basic needs at hand. And just as promised during the community engagement meeting, GiveDirectly fulfilled its promise of uplifting lives."
John's family
access_time over 1 year ago
John received a $325 second payment.
"In the coming years and beyond, my aspiration is to sustain my tomato farming venture, as it has proven to be a lucrative investment in our area. Recognizing its potential, I intend to continue dedicating my efforts to this agricultural pursuit. Furthermore, I have plans to save the profits generated from the farming business. With these savings, my goal is to eventually construct rental properties on my plot, located in our nearby center. By establishing these rentals, I aim to generate an additional income source for my family, ensuring greater financial stability and security for the future."
Christine's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Christine received a second payment.
"My plan for the future is to maximize the potential of tomato farming and continue saving from the income it generates. Over the coming years and beyond, I aim to establish a shop business as an additional source of income for my family. I believe that diversifying our income streams will enable us to adequately meet our family's basic needs and ensure access to quality education for my children. By combining the success of the tomato farming venture with the establishment of a shop business, I hope to create a more stable and sustainable financial situation."
Jane's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Jane received a $145 initial payment.
"Receiving the transfer has significantly improved my life, as I no longer have to struggle to find work on someone else's farm in order to earn a meager income for our daily needs. This newfound stability has granted me a sense of peace and relief. With the financial support provided, I am now able to focus my efforts and attention on cultivating and managing my own land. This shift has brought about a positive change in my life, as I can now dedicate my time and energy to my own farming endeavors. This allows me to have greater control over my livelihood and work towards building a sustainable future for myself and my family. The financial support from the transfer has truly empowered me to pursue my own agricultural activities and strive for self-sufficiency."
Peris's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Peris received a $145 initial payment.
"On that day, I was occupied with my daily duties of herding cows and I had left my phone at home to charge. It wasn't until around 5:00pm that I returned to the house. As soon as I entered, my excitement led me to check my phone to see if I had missed any calls or messages. I was so delighted on discovering an Mpesa SMS notification indicating that I had received a transfer from GiveDirectly. The news filled me with immense joy, prompting me to quickly call my spouse and share the wonderful news with him."
Victor's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Victor received a $325 third payment.
"Out of the third transfer, I allocated $360 towards maize farming. This included expenses for land preparation, purchasing planting inputs, and hiring labor. I made the decision to invest in maize farming with the aim of generating income and ensuring a stable food supply for myself. Additionally, I utilized $40 to purchase new clothes, enhancing my personal appearance and adding to my existing wardrobe. With the remaining amount, I serviced the motorcycle I had previously purchased using the second transfer. As its performance had declined, it was necessary to invest in maintenance to ensure its proper functioning. This would enable me to continue utilizing the motorcycle for my transportation needs."