I have a new goal which is to start a new business selling vegetables within my village. For all those years I have been relying on the charcoal business which is sometimes tiring and not profitable enough. I felt that by starting the business I will be able to take good care of my family without straining considering that I am a widow.

In my opinion, GiveDirectly did so well, especially on the idea of sending the cash directly to my Mpesa account. I had all the freedom on choosing what to purchase depending on my needs. Through that, I was able to accomplish most of my dreams such as building a new house. Therefore, I do not see any part in that the organisation failed.

I spent part second transfer on building materials like the iron sheets, nails, timber and the labour charges at a total of KES 15000. This was for the completion of my house which was still under construction using my first transfer. During that period, I had a lot to accomplish which resulted in a stop. I am so glad that the house is complete and I have finally been able to sleep comfortably with my five children. Initially, they used to seek shelter at my friend's houses which were far from our village. I was always worried about their safety. Additionally, I paid fees of 35000 for my two children in secondary school who are both in their final years. I was so stressed because I did not have even a single coin in my account. This was just like a miracle to me because finally, they will be able to graduate in three months. With the remaining amount, I bought foodstuffs for my children and other household needs.

The transfer came in early that day that at first, I didn't even believe it. I remember hearing a message ringtone very early in the morning and I just brushed it off thinking it was usual promo codes send by our network provider. When I finally woke up, I told my daughter to check what the message was all about and I remember her running towards me shouting "mama." I definitely knew it was the cash transfers message and I couldn't contain my emotions as I was then so broke and we didn't have foot at home.

Although I still live in poor condition house, I have a lot of peace in my heart knowing that I will be able to build a decent house soon. Previously, I had lost hope and I was so worried because I didn't know where I will go with my children when my house finally crumbles.

My husband passed last year after being hit by motorbike. Since then, life has not been easy for me and my nine children as I am the sole provider. I am a peasant farmer and given that drought has hit us for the last three years, I had to look for casual jobs be it doing laundry, fetching water, cutting trees for charcoal burners to provide basic needs for my family. With an average daily wage of KES 100, I couldn't manage to save our crumbling house which is a disaster in waiting. We have been staring at the danger but there is nothing much I could do about it rather that elevating poles to support the house. During enrolled, the officer asked me what my goals were and I didn't hesitate to say "building a house". Although he didn't say anything about it because he insisted that the transfers were unconditional and he couldn't make decisions for me, I could tell that he was shocked by the condition of my house. I spend KES 28000 to buy iron sheets which I believe will be enough to roof a two bedroom house that I'm planning to build, KES 6000 to clear fees arrears and spend the balance on food and other basic needs. I'm happy that I expecting my last transfer this month so that I can finally build a house and get out of this danger.