Next year, I have big plans that I hope will help me and my family. You see, I’ve already leased seven acres of land, and I want to plant maize on it. I’ve decided to work with Kenya Seed for the seeds because their prices are better compared to other commercial farms. To make this plan a reality, I will need some money. I plan to raise it by selling the beans and green grams I’ve been growing. With that money, I will be able to plough and plant the land properly. My hope is to get a good harvest from the maize. If all goes well, I will use the earnings to pay school fees for my three children, who are all in high school. This is what I want to achieve, and I’m determined to make it work.

The staff came to our village and spoke to us with such openness that it put my mind at ease. They didn’t pressure anyone to join; it was completely up to us. I appreciated how they explained everything clearly, including that the money was unconditional, though they did remind us not to use it for anything illegal. This freedom gave me a sense of trust, knowing they believed in our ability to make the best decisions for ourselves. They’re always patient and ready to help, no matter the issue. I’ve used the money to invest in my small farm, buy school supplies for my children, and even set a little aside for emergencies. This program has been nothing short of transformative for me and my family. Honestly, I can’t think of anything that needs improvement. It works as it is, and I’m grateful for that.

My wife had been transferred to Eldoret for work, and we needed to relocate from Nairobi immediately so she could continue her job. I used $200 of the money for transport and to settle us in our new place. Moving was not easy, but it was necessary for our family's stability. With the remaining amount, I decided to focus on our farming projects. I had planted seven acres of green grams and four acres of beans, and they needed urgent attention. I spent $65 on pesticides to protect the crops and $85 on generator fuel to irrigate the farm. This investment was crucial for ensuring the crops would thrive, especially during a time when rainfall had been unpredictable. Finally, I used $60 to buy a goat, which I hope will be the start of a small livestock venture, and the remaining $40 went toward household food items to keep us going. This cash transfer not only allowed me to address our immediate needs but also helped me invest in a better future for my family. It gave me hope that I can build something sustainable while supporting my wife’s career and ensuring my children are well-fed.

The moment I received the money was unforgettable and filled with a mix of emotions. I was at my dad's home, planning his burial with about 15 family members gathered around. Suddenly, we all received our payments at the same time, and the joy was overwhelming—we shouted with happiness, feeling a wave of relief wash over us. Without wasting any time, I immediately sent $100 to my wife and children, who were working in Nairobi, to help cover their transport costs so they could attend the burial. It was so important for them to be there, and I had been worried about how I would manage to send them money. Knowing I could help them attend brought me comfort during such a difficult time.

Before receiving the cash transfer, life was very challenging for me. I struggled to find money for harvesting my maize, especially since my farm was in a flood-prone area that made access difficult. However, when I received the money, I felt relieved and happy because I could finally harvest my maize without worrying about it being swept away. All my savings had gone to medication and preparing for my dad's burial, leaving me with nothing for the harvest. This transfer came at the right time, helping me avoid a difficult situation. It was a huge relief to have the support I needed during such a tough time.

Life took a turn when I received the cash transfer, which came at a crucial moment. My father had recently passed away, and my family wanted to attend his burial. Understanding the importance of their presence, I immediately sent my wife $100 to cover their transport expenses from Nairobi. Knowing they could be there to support me during this difficult time brought me a sense of relief and comfort. With the remaining $100, I turned my focus to harvesting the maize from my three acres of land. This year had been particularly challenging, as floods had swept away two acres of my farm, leaving me with only a fraction of what I originally had. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I managed to harvest 3,556 kilograms of maize, which was beyond my expectations. I plan to sell the maize at 108 Ksh per kilogram, which will provide us with some much-needed income. As a father of nine, the cash transfer has made a significant difference in our lives. My wife, a police officer, and I often rely on her salary combined with my farming income to support our family. Although we faced immense challenges this year, I thank God for the harvest I was able to achieve, especially when so many in our village lost everything. The cash transfer not only helped me during a time of grief but also allowed me to secure our family's future.