Before receiving the funds from GiveDirectly the I wanted to repair the roofing to my was house because it was in complete chaos since most of the iron sheets had rusted and the roof had so many holes that during the rainy season we would have to change the position to our bed so that to avoid being drenched and also put pots in order to collect the rain. I also wanted to be a livestock keeper and have my own herd to rear for domestic purposes.

I very thankful to GiveDirectly because being a farmer by profession had never paid me well enough to the extent where I would save enough money to repair my house and have livestock, so I very happy that through this program I got the opportunity to take care of some of things that used to keep me up at night and I hope it keeps doing the same to other folks like me.

Since with first funds I managed to buy five cows I went on to get more livestock so that my herd would increase so I bought three more cows at KES 13,000 each which in total cost me KES 39,000 and I opted for the livestock because I wanted to raise my own herd and had ambitions of being a livestock keeper for domestic gain. After the transfers had been received I went ahead to purchase iron sheets, timber and nails which was almost worth KES 3,624 and this was because I wanted to do repairs on the roofing to my house so that to avoid getting drenched during the night during the rainy season since my iron sheets were damaged and would let in rain making us even not sleep at times. As for the labourer who was meant to fix the roof I paid him KES 4,000 for his work.

I had visited my farm to look after my crops when I heard a loud message notification on my phone. Being illiterate, I had to complete the work on the farm before going home for my helper to interpret the message to me. I was overwhelmed with joy after my helper mentioned to me that it was the transfer from GiveDirectly. I thank God for the opportunity to transform my life for the better.

The biggest difference in my daily life is that l am living a happy life after accomplishing the desire of upgrading my agricultural farming. Through the transfer, I was able to purchase oxen and ox-plough which will assist me in preparations of the farm before planting the crop. I will be able to cultivate a larger portion of the farm hence getting enough food for my family. Initially, I was using my hands which was time-consuming and characterized by low harvest.

I spent KES 9500 to purchase a water tank of capacity 1000litres. This is because we have shortage of water in our area and my plan is to use it to harvest enough rain water for my family. Currently, we are forced to walk 6 km every day to get water. I also used KES 37000 to purchase oxen and ox-plough which will help me in cultivating my farm. I will be able to prepare 5 more acres something that will assure me of enough harvest for the family use. Previously, I use to cultivate 1.5 acres using my hands, I could harvest 2 sacks of maize which was enough to feed the family of 5 members for 3 to 4 months. The rest of the year, I was struggling to provide food for the family by doing casual activities. I also purchased 15 iron sheets with the remaining amount, I am planning to put up new roof because my house is leaking.