I am old and no longer economically active. Providing food for myself is a challenge since I am jobless. In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to ensure food security for the family. I intend to save enough amount of money from charcoal vending to acquire sufficient food. This is because we are experiencing famine in our area and getting food and water is very difficult.

In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in sending cash transfers to us. Through the cash transfer, I have been able to accomplish most of my dreams especially, starting livestock rearing. I feel the process where well elaborated during the enrollment stages. I recommend the organisation to assist the households again in terms of food since the drought and famine in our area have struck us hard.

For a very long time, I have desired to start livestock rearing as a dependable source of livelihood for the family. Because of the poverty condition in our family, my effort to make this dream a reality bore no fruit. After receiving the recent transfers, I bought five goats to start livestock farming an investment that will provide financial assistance whenever I face any challenge. In addition, I used $150 to acquire proper modern bedding since I was using an old traditional bed that was not uncomfortable. I always felt body pain every morning after waking up. I spent part of the remaining amount to build a decent two-roomed, mud-walled house for the family. Earlier, I lived in a small grass-thatched structure that was about to collapse. Nowadays, I am glad to reside in a decent house than before. Lastly, I used the remaining amount to purchase sufficient food for the family.

It was around 7 AM when I was at my daily hustle then I remembered that my phone was off. I decided to switch it on since I wanted to make a call to one of my relatives who was unwell. A few minutes later, I heard a very loud vibration whereby I suspected that it was a new message. Upon checking, I confirmed that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I was so happy and felt blessed beyond measures. I was now certain that I would now build a beautiful house.

Having the spacious, decent iron-roofed house has brought the biggest change in my daily life. Before the coming of GiveDirectly, I used to shelter in a very small temporary house. During the rainy house, it used to leak terribly and I was forced to move to another compound together with my family members. We used to experience lots of embarrassments as a result and few individuals used to call us names. As a parent, this used to frustrate me and even felt like I have failed my children. I was however positive that all these troubles shall come to an end someday. I will forever be thankful to GiveDirectly for all the blessings. My joy and hope in life is now restored.

I spent part of my first transfer on building a new house and bought the following materials; iron sheets at KES 16200, building poles at KES 7000, nails and timber at KES 3400. Also, I gave the Masson KES 13000 as his labor charges. I had to prioritize the construction of a new one because the current one was almost collapsing. I am so happy now that I am sleeping peacefully in a decent house without having to worry about the long rains which are expected to start soon. With the remaining amount of money, I bought foodstuffs for my family and settled for all the household expenses.