It has been my hope for such a long time to either renovate or construct a new house for my family but the struggle to raise school fees as well as upkeep for my family initially of 8 was really hard. GiveDirectly transfers came at the right time when the family size has reduced as the 4 elder sons had moved to start their own families, the only girl was also married leaving us with only the last born who also dropped out of school a year ago. Even though we had not been paying school fees, we could not raise enough money to put up a good house alongside obtaining livestock. I am grateful that GiveDirectly came in and make the two projects possible as I have completed the new house and added two livestock that I could not have been able to add if I had not received the transfer.

I am so grateful for every work done by GiveDirectly not only to me but also to every other household in the village. Everyone's life was elevated making the villagers work harder to ensure that every coin out of the transfer could be accounted for. I am also glad that every household within the village was enrolled, and no one ever complained as we were given equal amounts to spend on any project we saw fit.

After receiving the first transfer, the construction of a new house to replace the old one that was also too small for my family of three was my priority. I wasn't able to complete it then as I had other projects to run alongside. With the second transfer, I spent KES16000 on cementing the floor as I had to level it up first, patch the holes, and finally introduce a cement plaster to make it smoother and easier to clean. I also spent the other KES26000 on livestock as I needed a lactating cow to add to the herd in my field and also the only goat that I introduced to my field. I had been buying milk over a long period of time and had been my hope to one day start producing milk specifically for our domestic use from my own cow. The dream finally came true after receiving these transfers, and I am always grateful for this. After all those expenses, I was left with KES10000 in my account that I had been using in checking and replenishing household goods.

I weeding on my farm when I heard my phone message notification, after checking I find out that it was the transfer Givedirectly had promised. I felt very happy for receiving my money since I had waited for this opportunity to fulfill my desires.

Living in a good house with my family is the biggest difference in my daily life, Back in the days, I use to sleep in a muddy walled house that needs constant repair which is very costly. In addition, I was able to start a livestock livestock rearing something that I will rely on whenever I face any financial challenges.

I spent my transfer to renovate my house by purchasing build blocks, cement and sand so that I may change it to a permanent one. The one we had before had cracked walls which require constant maintenance during rain season. In addition, I purchased 3 goats to start livestock rearing since I was just a house wife depending on my husband for everything. With the remaining amount I bought clothes for I and child. Also I bought enough food for my family.