Despite the fact that I am currently working on a tight budget with no extra money to spend on any new project, I have set a new goal of improving my livestock farming by introducing better cattle breeds. I currently have four breeds that have not been productive enough to cover the majority of the household bills. My plan is to sell the four and bring in the other four potentially prolific breeds. I have started building a dairy shed, which I need to finish in a month while I look for a better source of the new breeds.

Not only did GiveDirectly come to our village to help us, but the initial meetings before enrollment taught us a lot, which aided us in making informed decisions after receiving the money. Because we had the freedom to spend on whatever we wanted, we were able to make a variety of spending decisions. Recognizing that it was not a loan increased my confidence in spending the money not only on a business venture for which I expected a return but also on school fees for my four children. On the other hand, it was unfortunate that some of the deserving households were overlooked because GiveDirectly's officers suspected them of being imposters in our village. The majority were village natives who continue to live in poverty in comparison to the other villagers.

For a long time, I had a strong desire to run a retail business, but the limited resources I had prior to receiving the first and second transfers prevented me from doing so. I had a small shop where I only sold household consumables in small quantities that only the people in my immediate community could afford. Since I invested a portion of the first and second transfers in purchasing more inventory, the business has grown significantly in the last few months. I spent $350 on the new stock after receiving the second transfer, which has resulted in a higher profit margin so far. This is the primary source of income for my family at the moment, covering both household food and school fees for my four children. I spent the remaining $200 on tuition fees for my children, who are now settled and studying without interruption at school.

It was around 10,00a.m and I was already out in my workplace and I saw a message notification on my phone. Upon checking it a confirmation of my first transfer from Givedirectly.After some few minutes, I received a call from my neighbor informing me he had received the same. We all met in one household and thanked God for the support.

The biggest difference in my daily life is my business which has taken a huge stride. The profit margin that has improved daily is my great joy. I am grateful to Givedirectly for the generous support that has completely changed my household in a bigger way.

Upon withdrawal of my first transfer, I spent KES 30,000 in adding stock to my existing business of a general shop that I had been lacking for a long period. I am so grateful since it has boosted my business and at least I do not have to send away customers since they can't get what they came for. I have also realized an improved profit margin of KES 1,000 which was not the case before. The remaining amount of KES 25,000, was spent on paying school fees for my children who are in secondary school. My kids were able to study without being sent home to collect the money. This support came and eased a burden that I had and didn't know where I could get the money to settle all the needs that were pressing. I am grateful to Givedirectly for renewing the hopes that I had completed faded away.