My goal for the upcoming year and beyond is to open a Mpesa shop in my local area to better serve the needs of my community. Currently, people in my area have to walk for approximately two hours to access such services. I intend to fund this venture using the proceeds from my farming activities.

GiveDirectly excels in several aspects. Firstly, their enrollment process is conducted fairly and without any instances of corruption involving field officers, ensuring transparency. Additionally, the transfers they provide are truly unconditional, allowing us the freedom to use the funds as we see fit, as long as it adheres to the law. Their operations are consistently held to high standards, and during my experience, I did not identify any areas that required improvement.

Fencing my land has long been a cherished goal of mine, as I recognized it as a fundamental step towards cultivating grass for both livestock feed and generating additional income for my family. However, this goal remained elusive in the past because my husband and I rely on farming and his animal trade business for our livelihood, with our earnings primarily allocated to our children's school fees and essential needs. We are a married couple blessed with four children. With the arrival of our third transfer, my husband and I decided to finally realize our dream of fencing our land and planting grass. We spent $400 for this purpose and used the remaining $47 to purchase foodstuffs. The transfer brought immense happiness into our lives, and for that, we are profoundly grateful.

My long-term goal is to launch an M-pesa business where people may conduct financial transactions. I had this idea after conducting extensive research, which revealed that residents of my area drive farther to use M-pesa services. Since individuals send and receive money every day, I am confident that before the year is out, I will have started this business and it will be successful.

GiveDirectly, in my opinion, did a great job by accepting every candidate who met the criteria without any discrimination. By dividing this funding into two stages, we were able to plan and make up for the shortages. We were fortunate because we would not have had the chance to dream big. These transfers have given us some dignity. We see a better future for our neighborhood. On the other side, I don't see any issues that GiveDirectly might improve upon.

As a cash crop farmer, I used to struggle in keeping watch guarding my farm where I planted my crops against both domestic and wild animals. From where I reside, I used to travel for about 6km to the shamba daily and back in the evening something strenuous. Upon getting the transfer, I first bought a sack of maize for $70 to ensure that I have some food at home. Thereafter, I bought barbed wire for $250, chainlink for $60, and some fencing posts for $60. The aim of buying these items was to make a fence around my farm to restrict both the wild and domestic animals from accessing the crops. I am happy that this took place and my crops are safe from animal destruction. I am also glad because it eased my daily movements to the farm. Nowadays, I go at most two days a week and my crops are safe.

Receiving the first payment from GiveDirectly was an incredible moment filled with gratitude towards God for fulfilling the promise through their support. It arrived a bit earlier than anticipated, as I had expected it on the 15th. Around 2:00 p.m., a message arrived, and although I was with my husband and children, I wanted to confirm the source before sharing the news with them. The name Segovia Technology remained clear in my mind, and I couldn't resist to further check the balance. Excitement filled the air, and even my four children and husband were thrilled. Despite having our plans carefully laid out, we decided not to rush the collection but waited until the following day to begin purchasing the materials that were of utmost importance to us.

The biggest difference in my daily life after receiving the first transfer came about with the addition of an new room exclusively crafted for my beloved daughters. They had always yearned for a personal haven where they could have some privacy and call their own. Previously, they had to take turns changing their clothes or tidying up since they couldn't do it in the presence of their two brothers. But now, they finally have a separate room to carry out all the things they had always wished for. On the other hand, their brothers also have their own private room. It's a remarkable transformation that brings joy and fulfillment to all.

I am thrilled to share that my long-awaited dream of creating a separate room for my two daughters and two sons has finally become a reality. When the first payment from GiveDirectly arrived, a wave of relief washed over me, and without hesitation, we began procuring the necessary construction materials. I purchased 9 iron sheets for $93, five wooden frames for $16, and nails for $7. Thankfully, I already had windows and doors, so I only needed to cover the labor cost of $20. The room is now complete, and my daughters are enjoying the well-deserved privacy just like my two sons had in the previous shared space. Additionally, I spent $10 on maize flour, which served as our primary foodstuff, and $9 for other essential household items. With the remaining $25, I acquired another goat to expand our existing herd of 50 goats, which has proven invaluable during emergencies, that include paying for my children's school fees and ensuring an adequate food supply for our household.