I would like to thank GiveDirectly for the generous help. The transfers have helped me repair my house, which I could not due to lack of a job. I would like the organization to enroll more people into the program to help beat the hard economics we are currently facing.

In the last six years, I have repaired my house over 10 times. Part of the roof was blown away by the strong winds, hence when it rains, my property in the house is destroyed. The mud walls of the house have developed enormous cracks and holes, which take away my privacy. The weak and rotten poles have made the house lean on one side. It is unsafe for my husband and me to live in a dilapidated house. In repairing the house, I have spent a lot of money and I am yet to have a permanent solution to the problem. For the past three months, I could not save enough money because I do not have a job. My husband is of old age too and only works on raising livestock. My health condition has worsened in recent months (ulcers) preventing me from looking for a job. Therefore, when I received my transfer, I spent it all on buying three bags of cement. My plan is to build concrete pillars on the four corners of the house that will replace the rotten poles and make the house strong. In the future, I plan on buying pieces of iron sheets and replacing the part that was blown away by the wind.

I was sitting under a tree in front of my house, waiting for breakfast to be served. My grandson came running towards me, holding my phone and told me that the phone had been ringing continuously. I passed the phone to my son, who was sitting beside me. He confirmed to me I had received my transfer. I was thrilled started ululating in happiness as I did not expect to receive money on that fateful day. After having breakfast, I accompanied my son to the Mpesa shop, where we withdrew the money.

The money has made a big difference in my life. I did not think that I could build my house well. The thought of being homeless gave me sleepless nights. Now that I am receiving the transfer, I am optimistic that I will build my house well and will not have to ask for accommodation from other people because I am homeless.

I do not have a job and neither does my husband. My husband is too old and cannot work and only takes part in raising livestock. My health is the main reason I no longer work. I was diagnosed with stomach ulcers two years ago and I require frequent medical attention. Upon receiving my transfer, together with my husband’s transfer and some additional savings, we spent it on buying stones worth KSH 7000. Our house is almost falling done because of the rotten and weak poles. The severe winds have made the condition worsen the condition and the house can come down any time. I could not repair the house because of my poor financial state since I do not have a job and neither does my husband. Now that I am receiving the funds, I am looking forward to improving it and ensure that I sleep in a pleasant house.