I am still trying to raise the remaining $300 and three cows to clear the dowry with my in-laws. Despite the fact that my debt is still huge, I have a long-term household goal of opening a mobile money shop in a nearby shopping center. I intend to sell the bullock I purchased with my second transfer in a year's time, with the proceeds going toward raising the float and paying the first month's rent on the shop where I will be working. This goal will be a source of income that will cover the majority of my household expenses.

GiveDirectly accomplished much in our village, for which I am eternally grateful and proud of the success of the projects we established with their assistance. Every household that received the money was empowered, and the decision to spend was bestowed upon us. Everyone is grateful and wishes GiveDirectly the best as they expand to other villages with the same level of support.

When I received my second transfer, I had already planned how I would spend the entire amount. With the first $200, I purchased a bullock that I am currently fattening with the intention of selling it in the next year and starting a business with the proceeds. Because it is a fast-growing breed, I am confident that selling it then will net me more than $500, which will be useful in starting a new business. I also paid a portion of my wife's dowry, which I had been paying in installments since our marriage. After paying $250, I still owe $300, which should be accompanied by three cows according to our cultural norm. I later spent the remaining funds on food shopping for my family of five. I am grateful for the help that has restored my dignity with my in-laws, who have been patient despite the fact that they had no idea we were expecting help from GiveDirectly.

Being born and raised in a village deprived me of an opportunity to better my life due to low available opportunities. However, on the evening when the transfers were sent, I strongly felt that my opportunity had dawned. This made me have a lot of joy especially when I confirmed the receipt of my transfer. Immediately, I informed my wife who was equally happy and positively testified that GiveDirectly is transparent. I was so hopeful when I received the transfer. Consequently, I was able to develop a plan of how I would spend my transfer.

The biggest difference in my life has been realizing my dream of owning a cow. I have wished to do this for a long time, but it had been difficult because I did not have a steady source of income. I am so grateful that I can get free milk from the cow every day. To help the family, we will sell some of the milk to generate additional income. As a result, our food supply will be more stable, which will benefit my family greatly.

In my life, I have been longing for two major items, owning a cow and building a new kitchen. Therefore, immediately after I received my transfer, I spent KES 25,000 on buying a lactating cow. In addition, I used KES 18,000 on building a new kitchen because the previous one was too small to accommodate my three children. The rest helped me in obtaining maize flour for my family. I am so glad that this is positively changing my life for the better.