I have a new goal which I did not have before receiving the cash transfer which is to purchase a pair of oxen. For years, I have been using my own hands in tilling my farm which used to be so tiring. Also, I ended up getting poor harvesting products hence the prolonged famine. I, therefore, trust that once I acquire the bulls, the issue of food security will come to an end in my household.

In my opinion, GiveDirectly did a good job by ensuring that they visited all the households within my village. Also, every one of us was equally and fairly enrolled which enhanced peace and unity in the community. I, therefore, do not see anything that they did not do well.

I spent the whole of my second transfer on starting a new retail shop business in the neighbouring town. I have desired to run this kind of business considering that there are countable shops in the entire town, hence the high demand for the commodities. Apart from that, I have been jobless for so many years and I felt its high time to offer support to my spouse who has been the breadwinner. It has never been easy for him, especially in paying fees for our two school-going children in grades four and three respectively. Most of the time they were always at home, also missing food used to be a routine for us. As a mother, this used to frustrate me a lot and sometimes felt like giving up. Currently, I am so grateful because at least I have been earning good returns therefore fending for my family is no longer a struggle. All my children are now in school without any hiccups like before which is an assurance of a brighter future, also they have the access to all the basic which include food.

Early that morning was preparing breakfast for my family. I heard my phone ring and when I checked, it was a message confirming a receipt of my first transfer from Givedirectly. This was a relief since I knew all the issues that I had always wished to fulfill would come to pass. I went and withdrew the funds the following day ready to commence the plans I had already.

The biggest difference in my daily life after receiving my first transfer is all the achievements that I have seen in my household so far. I am thankful to Givedirectly for allowing me to participate in this project which has rejuvenated the spirit of hard work that was slowly fading away.

Before receiving the transfer, we had already discussed with my spouse how to spend the transfer. Upon receiving it, we spent KES 24,000 on building a shop near our home. This will be a general foodstuff shop. This was a great move since the shops we have are a bit far hence this was a potential business. We are anticipating the second transfer so that we can stock it since it is already complete. We also purchased two young heifers at KES 26,000. We are hoping for the surplus production of milk since it will grow in the future. With the remaining amount, we spent on buying food for our household members.