I have a new goal which is to start a new business(selling foodstuffs)in the village. I have been thinking of it since I feel it is so profitable, apart from that, it will be a relief to me because the charcoal business that I have been operating is unprofitable and a seasonal one. Therefore I believe that handling both businesses will uplift our standard of living as a family.

According to me, GiveDirectly is a very unique organization in the way it operates. The plan offering us unconditional transfers to improve our living standards has never happened in this region hence the uniqueness.  For now, our lives have changed and this is evident through the permanent houses that have been built, the livestock and sending all our children to school.

I spent part of my second transfer on buying six goats at a total of KES 39000. I had been yearning to at least have one but I couldn't afford any at my cost because they were very expensive. I however settled for them because they grow and mature very fast which is assurance that I will have many of them within a short period. They will empower me enough to raise fees for my children and cater to other household needs that I may be lacking. I also paid school fees of KES 4000 for my eight kids in primary schools. At least they now studying peacefully without being interfered with by the issue of school fees. With the remaining amount of money, I bought food for the family which took us almost a month.

I had gone to get water early in the morning when I heard the message notification. Because I cannot read, I went straight to my helper as soon as I got home. I was overjoyed when he confirmed that I had received my transfer. My entire family got into a celebratory mood because that was the start of a major turning point in our lives. I was confident that I would be able to obtain some essential items, such as a mattress and a bed, that I did not have then.

The biggest difference in my life since I began receiving my transfer is owning a new bed and a mattress. Before buying these two items, I was always living in deplorable conditions, often spending on the floor and on used sacks. I am so glad this is past history and currently, I can sleep more comfortably. This has greatly improved my living condition and I am so grateful to GiveDirectly.

As a victim of extreme poverty, I had been sleeping on sacks since I never had even a mattress. I also lacked a bed because I could not afford one. However, I consider myself the most fortunate because when I received my transfer, I first bought a new bed and two mattresses for KES 20,000. As a result, I am currently relieved from the pain and cold that I was frequently subjected to when I was sleeping on the floor. I am glad that out of this, I have been able to sleep well and in a comfortable way. In addition, I spent KES 4,000 on paying school fees for my 8 school-going children. I am glad that this term they will have ample time to focus on their studies.