Depending on a single source of income is stressful and derailing as well; therefore, there is a need to diversify the sources of income to support the family's needs. Since my family of nine depends on maize farming and sometimes my husband's mason job, I appreciate that the income earned here can be minimal or none at all, hence the need for an additional constant source of income. For the next year, I hope to construct 10 single-room rental houses on our farm at Mtwapa. I will rent out each house for $20 a month and use the income to pay college fees for my children in grades 11 and 12 once they graduate from their secondary education. We hope to use the savings as well as my husband's income to make this a success.

With the unconditional cash transfers, families have responded to their needs; for instance, children have gone to school, houses have been constructed, and food has been provided for the households. This is a commendable and life-changing initiative that GiveDirectly thought of. However, the short-term engagement does not respond to the needs exhaustively; therefore, if they could add more transfers, more change could be noticed, unlike now.

Education is the key to life, and everyone desires it for their children. However, financial instability has sometimes made this impossible. When I received the transfers, I cleared the $80 school fee arrears for my daughter in grade 12, as well as term 2 fees of $250. I further spent $150 on purchasing iron sheets for a house I wish to construct on our family farm in Mtwapa. In addition, I purchased two goats for $50 as a financial emergency when need arrived because my family of nine often depends on maize farming for a living, which is not always productive. I am happy that the rains have lately been constant and favorable for the maize, and I am hopeful that we will harvest about 10 bags, unlike the previous seasons when we did not harvest even a bag, therefore depending on my husband Samson, who is a mason, for support. Unfortunately, Samson's job is also unpredictable and seasonal, so we can sometimes stay without any income.

Immediately after I confirmed the receipt of my transfer, I felt excited. I was attending my nephew's funeral that evening. Although GiveDirectly had assured me that I would receive my transfer soon, I had always wondered when it would happen. I was not expecting such a transfer at that moment. Since I was with my husband, I also informed him, and he was equally happy. To him, that was a sigh of relief from the school fee issues that had taken our peace. I felt more at peace at that moment than ever before. Thanks to GiveDirectly for coming to our rescue.

Previously, I had the heavy burden of raising school fees for my children. We could not afford meals because my husband and I rely so much on informal, unreliable work. As a result, skipping meals or going without meals was a typical occurrence for us. Yet, I am relieved that there has been a positive change in our way of life since I received my first transfer. We are always guaranteed daily meals. My children have been attending school with less fear of being sent home. As a result, any money my husband and I earn go towards savings. I hope that will make life bearable for us post the last transfer. Despite the current famine situation, we have had sufficient food as a family.

Before receiving my transfer, my children had accumulated school fee arrears. My husband and I do not have some formal engagement, and we constantly struggle to raise money for fee payments. The worst case for us was that my daughter, Eunice, currently in form four had fee arrears of $180. I prioritized spending $300 on paying school fees for all my children. In addition, I opted to spend $30 on food. Since, my son Emmanuel was promoted to grade 7, I spent the rest on his fees. I am glad that both of them can comfortably learn. I have witnessed a tremendous difference in my life since then.