The transfer from GiveDirectly has transformed our living condition. Initially, we lived in a sorrowful state. Our house was small and falling apart due to bad weather conditions. Its walls were full of cracks and it was not safe to reside in. I was constantly worried about our safety. The fact that my only way of earning some money was from making and selling charcoals, I had no money and could not afford to change our living conditions. Upon receiving the transfer from GiveDirectly, I saw light. I have been able to complete the construction of a new-interlocking block house. I also managed to pay school fees for my 3 children who are college, secondary and primary schools respectively. This could just remain as a dream if it were not for GiveDirectly.

The giving of money to us the people living in this adverse climatic condition was the best thing that GiveDirectly did. Initially people were not confident to intermingle due to the poverty states but as at now we freely visit one another confidently.

Since I was living in fear due to the state of my house not only it being small but also falling apart due to bad weather conditions, its walls were full of cracks and it was not safe to reside in. I decided to construct a new-interlocking block house. I also managed to pay school fees for my 3 children who are college, secondary and primary schools respectively. I also bought some food for the family. I took these steps to overcome the worries of insecurity I had as far as the house issue was concerned as well as to ensure my children are retained in school full time not as before when they were on and off school.

I can still remember that particular day when I was preparing breakfast they I had my phone ringing. I decided to check who it could be. Only to confirm that it was an Mpesa message from Segovia Technology. GiveDirectly had finally debited the first transfers that I had anxiously been waiting for. I was overwhelmed with joy from the blessing and I remember leaving the task I was handling and focus on how best I could utilize the cash.

The biggest difference in my daily life is that I managed to settle the huge school fees arrears for all my children. This is becasue initially, they used to be sent home regularly due to the accumulation of the fees balances. They used to stay home for long because of the financial difficulties that had stricken our household. My spouse is the family breadwinner depend on the odd jobs with low income. To add to that, he has been unwell and there even getting our daily meals was not easy. Therefore this affected my children academic life because most of the time they were not able to sit for their exams leading them tto repeat the courses. This was really demoralizing them and stressing me as well. Therefore after receiving the money, I had to make sure this matter is well sorted. I am so happy and proud to see them carrying on with their studies with the rest, which has always been my dream

I spent part of my first transfer on buying some building materials iron sheets, building poles, nails, threads. This was purely for the construction of a new house because the initial one was almost collapsing. Also, I used KES 10000 of the money on paying the mason as the labour fee. To add to that, I paid fees for my child who are in college, secondary, primary schools respectively. With the remaining amount of money, I bought foodstuffs for my family and other household needs like utensils.