As previously stated, salary alone, joint as it may be, hardly leaves funds for investment, nor savings. To remedy this, I would love to start a mini mart and/or a wholesale shop, where I could sell foodstuff and other fast moving commodities and eventually grow it to where it would be my main source of income.

GiveDirectly have continued to be at the fire front in transforming the lives of recipients as well as their loved ones, through their transfers. The only advise I can give, since I have no criticism what so ever, is to ask them to increase the number of recipients and the number of times they get funds, to allow people to continue to achieve their dreams.

I chose to focus on additions and renovations that had been pending, in and around my house. I completed installation of my 5,000 litre water tank. Which ensures we no longer have water issues, provided we keep it filled. The four bedroom house was in need of plastering, as well as installation of a proper floor in one of the rooms, not to mention, plumbing fittings and labour costs. Needless to say, a sizeable chunk of the transfers from GiveDirectly went towards this. I am a father of three, two of whom live with me in Ganze , where I am a teacher, while my youngest stays in Tana River with my wife, who is also a teacher. I teach at Dungicha Primary, earning KES. 35, 000, while my wife teaches at Odole Primary, earning KES. 30, 000. My two eldest go to Ganze Brains Academy, which is in town and for which we pay KES. 4,400 and KES. 4,000, respectively for my Grade 1 and PP1 kids. Add to these expenses the cost of my wife running her small house where she lives and pays rent of KES. 1,000, as well as the homestead I live in with my kids, and the numerous recurring expenses that always crop up, it's easy to see how our combined incomes, left us little in the form of saving that we would have used to achieve the goals that GiveDirectly funds allowed us to. We are truly in awe of the kindness your organisation has shown. Thank you

I remember it was very early in the morning when I had just woken up. I was still on my bed when I heard people outside narrating how they had received the transfer. Being among the people who were enrolled in the village, I decided to switch on my phone. I was very happy when I saw the message indicating that I had received the transfer. I was very sure that I will be able to accomplish my long-term dream of owning a water tank.

The biggest difference in my life is that I am no longer stressed about getting water for the family. Nowadays, the water that I have can serve me for more than 3 weeks before they could pump tap water to our respective households. Previously, I had to walk around the village looking for where to purchase water.

I had desired to own a water tank to store enough tap water for my family. This is because we are fully dependent on pumped water due to the dry weather conditions in our area. Most of the time, there is water rationing in our area. During this period, it had to get water for the family. I spent KES 30,000 of my transfer to purchase a 5000 litres water tank. I intend to use it to store enough water that can serve my family for 3 weeks before it is pumped. Similarly, I used bought 7 bags of cement, connecting pipes and paid labour charges for the installation of the tank. Currently, I am happy that I have enough water for the family. Moreover, I can sell some to my neighbors to earn an extra income.