I am a subsistence crop farmer, growing maize and vegetables on half an acre farm at home for family use. I always do this by hiring some labourers to assist me in ploughing and weeding the farm. In the coming year and beyond, I hope to boost this activity by acquiring an ox and ox-plough. This will ensure that I prepare the farm on time before planting which will ensure more harvest hence food security.

In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in sending direct cash transfers through mobile money to poor households in the community. In addition, they were able to fulfil all their commitment and promises on time. I feel there is nothing that they need to change or modify as far as their processes are concerned.

I assumed the responsibility of raising my family single-handedly after the death of my spouse and two of my children after being involved in a road accident 10 years ago. I was able to sustain severe injuries that made me lose both legs. Life has not been a walk in the park, especially in providing for the education of my daughter whom we were able to survive. Her goal was to pursue a degree in education but was able to enrol for a certificate. After receiving my transfer, I spent all of the recent transfers to advance her studies by enrolling her on a diploma of education course on a part-time basis. This is because she is already a teacher at the nearby school. I am optimistic that she will be able to complete her education and fulfil her dreams.

It was exactly 4 in the evening when I was just relaxing in my bed when I had my phone ringing continuously. I had to request my elder son to confirm for me who it was because it was somehow strange. Upon checking, he realized that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I had finally received the cash transfer that I had patiently been waiting for. I was so happy knowing that I will timely get proper medication through the cash.

The biggest difference in my daily life is that the cash has empowered me to own livestock ( dairy cows and goats). This is a dream come true to me because this is what I have been aspiring to have for quite some time but because of the financial hardships that I have been undergoing, this was not achievable. I am a widow of three and my health status is not that good. I have been on bed rest for q while as a result of the accident that I was involved in some years back. I have therefore been depending on my children for my daily meals. I thought having these dairy cows will be of help to myself and my family because currently I have been taking white tea and drinking milk after every milk courtesy of GiveDirectly. I plan to start a business selling the milk to my neighbors and generate an income. At least I will no longer have to strain whenever I want to see the doctor for my monthly check-up. Also providing for my basic needs will no longer be a struggle.

I spent KES 37000 of my first transfer on buying livestock more so two dairy cows and goats. I have been yearning to have them for a long because they have so many benefits which include milk, and manure among others. I have however been dreaming to purchase them for a year but they were too costly. I later cleared the hospital bill since I was involved in a road accident some years ago and I have been attending reviews monthly. I am so happy that the cash was of help because I was stuck. With the remaining cash, I bought foodstuffs for my family and other items like utensils and furniture.