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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.
Stages:
 
Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Nickson's Profile
Nickson's family
Nickson
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
22
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($450 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the next one or two years, I hope to have finished building my house using money from my usual casual jobs and hopefully have a family of my own. After building, I will plant maize in the remaining section of the land that I bought so that I can have money to support my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
How Give Directly gives money without any conditions was very helpful to us since every household has got different financial needs and we were able to solve our problems differently.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the second transfer, I was able to pay off a debt I had for a piece of land that I bought in the beginning of this year using ksh 20000, we fenced the section as well and with the rest of the transfers, I bought a few building materials because I am planning to build a permanent house of my own at least by the end of this year and move out of my parents house.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($481 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was very happy the moment I received the first transfer as this signified the end of the challenges I had been facing for a long time. I had handed in my phone to be charged at the nearest shopping center since our household has no access to electricity yet. On my way back after picking it up, I turned it on and to my surprise, I was greeted by a pop-up bearing great news - I had received the first transfer from GiveDirectly through Segovia Technologies. I had to fast my steps homes since I was eager to share the joy with my family members whom after a lengthy celebration, I decided to collect from the nearby shopping center the following day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the improved standard of living after receiving the first transfer. The construction of a new house has renewed my hope of starting my family soon, and the availability of enough foodstuff in the household has also promoted healthy eating different from the previous one where I would take a cup of tea without sugar in the evening before retiring to bed.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Following the plan I had set after enrollment, I spent KES 29000 on purchasing construction materials and putting up a new house as I look forward to starting a family in the future. The construction is now underway, and I had been very careful with the spending since I am hoping to be in a position to pay the labor charges once the construction is complete. I had been living alone in a small house that I constructed four years ago and the support from GiveDirectly has given me a chance to make it better by constructing a new one. I also spent KES 9000 on livestock after buying three sheep that I am currently rearing as a saving technique that will multiply after breeding to be sold in the future. I saved the remaining amount and have been useful in monitoring the construction work, buying foodstuff, and also sorting the emergencies that sometimes come up within the household.
 
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a better education for me. I differed from my studies two years ago because my parents were committed to my other siblings who were still in secondary level school. I was pursuing a course in information studies which I thought I will secure an employment at the County after the completion. Unfortunately my dreams were shuttered and I started looking for casual jobs around the village .Currently I am attached to a foreman in a construction site and barely earn KES 150 per day. This amount goes to purchasing food and clothing. I really appreciate this transfers from Givedirectly as it help help me realise my ambition. I plan to spend the whole transfers to pay for my studies.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I joined this construction job in five months ago. I have been able to stay independently without the support from my parents. This makes me feel happy unlike when you are provided every basic need from the parent. I feel I am now a responsible person in the society.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
One of the main challenge that I currently face is financial constraints. Being unemployed person and lack of an income makes me to have sleepless night all days. I thought of doing other business but I don't have capital to start with. My goal is to clear my course and look for a stable employment.