I never had any hope of ever owning any livestock since I majorly engaged in casual labor jobs as my daily source of income. The proceeds from these casual jobs were so meager that barely sustained us thus thinking of having livestock for rearing only remained a dream. Therefore when on the opportunity had presented itself I didn't think twice but rather, I spent part of my first transfer on purchase seven goats at KES 20,000. I also paid school fees arrears for my child who is in college. Today, I am glad that she is attending regularly without being sent home due to arrears in school. Finally, with the remaining amount of money, I bought sufficient food that would last us up for a whole month.

Our lives have greatly been improved through the money we received from GiveDirectly. We could not afford the very basic needs, some did not have access to decent shelter and we had no hopes of even owning livestock due to the financial hardships we are facing. However, in my opinion with the coming of GiveDirectly, our lives are now different, for we have been able to achieve things that we never anticipated such as new iron-roofed houses, livestock and also our children are comfortable in school. I do not see anything that GiveDirectly has not done well.

Having goats is the biggest difference and gift that I have received in my life. I settled on rearing goats because they reproduce twice a year and require little attention to rear compared to other domestic animals. Further more, their food is also easily available since they can live in any type of climate. I am optimistic they will multiply and increase in number. Therefore, I shall sell some in our local markets. Apart from that, I will exchange some for a dairy cow so that I can get milk and sell purposely to double my income. And according to me, these are the well-thoughtful assets that will help me in the near future. Thank you GiveDirectly for making an impact in my living standard at a time I almost lost hope.

I spent part of my first transfer to buy iron sheets, building poles, timber and other building materials to construct a new house. The house that I was living in previously was in a bad condition, for the roof was dilapidated and leaking when it rains. It was also very small and my children had to seek accommodation elsewhere in the neighbourhood. The transfer enabled me to build a spacious house for my family and we can be comfortably accommodated now. In addition to this, I bought five goats to keep of which I am hoping that they will reproduce and increase in number. In future, I will be able to sell to cater for other financial needs. I spent the rest of the transfer to pay school fees for my child who is in high school for him to stay comfortably in school without being sent home for fees. This will enable him to have enough time to concentrate on his studies.

I saw the notification early in the morning as I was already up for the day's activities. As I went through the notification from GiveDirectly, I could not hold back the happiness that instantly filled my heart upon realizing that I had received my first transfer on my phone.

The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am now living in my new house which is also spacious through financial support from GiveDirectly. I could not renovate the old house because of the financial challenges that I was going through. However, with the transfer, I was able to achieve this and I am comfortable living in with my family. I am now glad that my children can now sleep at home.