Venturing into extensive poultry farming has always been a dream of mine. The conditions in our lowland Baringo region are just perfect for it—a place where poultry thrived and diseases were a distant concern. My plan is to create a free-range paradise for my birds, and I am ready to turn this dream into reality. I will start with a current brood of healthy and robust birds in my coop and further hatch the eggs for more chicks that I will rear to maturity. With our own supply of fresh, healthy eggs, we enjoy food security, and any surplus can be sold to boost our income.

I am thrilled to share that GiveDirectly has brought about commendable changes in our village. The sight of newly constructed houses and the arrival of goats have been a source of joy for all of us here. These changes are more than just physical improvements; they represent a brighter future and newfound hope. As a beneficiary, I feel grateful for the positive changes that GiveDirectly has brought into our lives. It is inspiring to witness how these interventions have a direct and tangible impact on our well-being. Therefore, this should be replicated in other areas with similar problems as ours.

My family's livelihood depends on our small hotel business, making balancing our house construction and running the business a challenging but rewarding endeavor. I am excited that Givedirectly came in at the right time, as I was in the process of completing my 3-room stone-walled house to house my family of 4. I spent $200 of transfers on purchasing the materials for completing this house and saved the rest for iron sheets and labor. This house replaces our cramped 2-room iron-roofed dwelling, and I am happy, not just for myself but for my family, knowing that our wish for a comfortable and spacious home has been accomplished.

In the upcoming years, I anticipate moving to my new residence, where I'll have more space to engage in farming activities. My plan is to invest in poultry farming, considering its profitability based on observations from friends. Additionally, I will continue running my eatery business and combine the income from both ventures to provide the best quality education for my two children.

In my opinion, GiveDirectly has done well giving us aid in the form of non-repayable cash is highly commendable. The fact that we are not going to payback any amount of money to GD is truly remarkable. Moreover, the freedom given to recipients to decide how to utilize the money, without any pressure to spend it on specific items, is empowering and beneficial.

I used all the transfers to restart construction that had halted due to a lack of finances. My spouse and I shared a dream of relocating from our current residence to our ancestral land, which offered more space for farming and livestock investment. The plan was to build a two-roomed permanent house made of blocks, but financial constraints made the dream feel distant, especially since our eatery business's income wasn't sufficient to kick off the project. After receiving the first transfers, we initiated the project, but it came to a stop once the second transfer was utilized. However, with the third transfer of $450, we dedicated all the funds to resume the construction. We used the money to buy cement and sand, which had run out, and to pay for the labour needed. Though the construction is not yet complete, as we are yet to put up the roof, witnessing the progress fills us with overwhelming happiness and a sense of accomplishment. The support we received has been instrumental in moving closer to our dream of having a permanent home on our ancestral land. We remain grateful for this opportunity and look forward to completing the construction.

I felt a surge of excitement as the long-awaited moment finally came, and I received the money. I had been eagerly looking forward to this week, and when the message arrived, I immediately recognized it was from GiveDirectly. At around 4:00 p.m., I was at home, relishing in the joy all on my own. When my husband returned later that evening, I happily shared the news with him. The following day, filled with anticipation, I went to the nearby shopping center to collect the funds and bring our plans to life.

Thanks to the support from GiveDirectly, our daily lives have undergone a remarkable transformation. The biggest difference we've experienced is the abundance of food that we now have for my family. It has been quite challenging to provide for our needs, but with GiveDirectly's assistance, we no longer have to worry about going hungry. We can now enjoy nourishing meals and focus on other important aspects of our lives. The relief and gratitude we feel are immeasurable, and we are truly grateful for the positive impact this support has had on our daily lives.

Our first transfer from GiveDirectly brought about significant changes in our lives. Living near the center, we yearned to relocate deeper into the land to provide ample space for our livestock. To realize this dream, I purchased 10 iron sheets for $72, which would be crucial in constructing our new house. Meanwhile, my husband encountered a problem with his motorcycle, which served as a vital source of income for our family. It facilitated his taxi business, the transportation of water during drought seasons, and frequent visits to our distant farm. Recognizing its importance, we spent $45 to have it repaired, ensuring that our means of income remained intact. Furthermore, to ensure a sufficient food supply, I invested $65 in acquiring a substantial 100-kg bag of dry maize grains for my family of four. Previously, I relied on small-scale food businesses and grocery purchases while my husband diligently operated his motorcycle taxi, and after a breakage, we could not get any income. With the remaining $18, I bought other essential household goods, including toiletries, to enhance our daily lives.