Living in a dry region that is always affected by frequent droughts renders everyone vulnerable to the insufficiency of foodstuff especially maize which is a staple food in our community. We had been buying maize for a long time now at a hiked cost since we no longer produce as it used to be the case in the future and this presents me with an opportunity that I would wish to seize as my new goal. I am looking forward to raising some capital that can buy me at least three sacks of dry maize on wholesale at the nearby market. I will be selling them at the immediate shopping center at a profit that will keep me increasing the stock after clearing the initial one.

Receiving such a lump sum of a free cash transfer was a great gesture by GiveDirectly that I had never seen anywhere else since I was born. I was motivated to make wise spending decisions that changed my life since it was made clear that I will never get any other chance to enroll with GiveDirectly after receiving the second transfer. This could have been the motivation behind every member of the village as well since every household ensured a great transformation within a period of four months. I saw no fault and have nothing to complain about, but thankful for the far we have come since we were enrolled in the program.

With a family of six, my priority had been to clear school fees for our three children who are currently schooling. part of the first transfer cleared some arrears and had to spend another chunk of the second transfer on the current term's requirements. I deposited KES 20000 towards school fees and spent KES 8000 on buying new pairs of school uniforms to replace the old ones that they had been wearing. I also bought a sheep worth KES 5000 with part of the remaining amount, three sacks of maize that we are still using as a foodstuff with my family, and also bought some chickens to add to the preexisting brood as a way of expanding the source of income through the same of the daily collected eggs. It is with great joy that we are already enjoying the outcome of the project as more than six chickens are currently laying every day.

The moment I received the transfer I felt so happy. I remember vividly like yesterday. It was 9am when I heard a ringtone message from my phone. I was in the farm digging. I reluctantly check it out little did I know it was from GiveDirectly. I couldn't believe my eyes when I checked it, it was a message indicating that I have received KES 55,000 from GiveDirectly. I have never received such amount of money before in my entire life. I felt so happy, I run back home to inform my family members. They all celebrated with joy. I knew from that point that I I'll be able to buy a dairy cow. I went to Mpesa agent and withdrew all the money. I bought bedding and food for the family that day.

The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have bought a heifer. I buy milk daily from my neighbor and this is so costly for me. I had always wished to own a dairy cow but I didn't had money to buy. I depend on small scale farming and casual jobs in the village. The amount of money that I get through this is so small. I do struggle to meet the basic household items and buying a heifer was not even in my list. When I received the transfer we decided to purchase a heifer and pay school fees for our children. I have hope that when my dairy cow reproduce in the next few months I will get enough milk for my family. I will cut the daily cost of buying milk and save the money that I could have used to buy other basic needs. I will also sell the surplus milk to earn an income to pay the school fees for my children. Currently I do my work with peace of mind and hope that I will be able to earn an income soon. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has enabled me to own a dairy cow. This could have taken quite some time to get it.

I spent KES 23,000 of the first transfer on purchasing a heifer. I had always wished to own a dairy cow. I buy milk everyday and it's so costly for me because I do not have a continuous source of income. I depend on casual jobs in the village. I also paid KES I0,000 for my children in various schools. The rest of the money I bought food and clothes for my children. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has changed our living standard.