I have always wanted to grow my own farm by adding more livestock and even maybe indulge in poultry farming this is because I aimed and breeding the livestock so that they would produce and then after I could possibly benefit commercially by taking the animals to the market since they are always in demand and could fetch me a good price and profit which in turn will help me in providing for my family.

This funds have completely changed my life for the better especially since now I bought more livestock for my farm. I had always wanted to grow my farm but unfortunately I barely made enough money to even take care of my family from the money I made from burning charcoal. But through GiveDirectly my dream became reality and I am ecstatic and grateful. I have no complaints because all I have been able to achieve a lot through GiveDirectly that I would not have ever foreseen in my lifetime.

Before receiving the second transfer from GiveDirectly I had initially saved about KES 26,850 from the previous transfers that I had received. The reason being that I wanted to have enough money in order to buy a great amount of livestock so that I could grow my farm and become a farmer since my other job of burning charcoal was becoming less sustainable as days went by due to drought. After receiving the second transfer I went ahead and bought sixteen goats where each cost KES 4,500. Since the second transfer was not enough to foot the bill I added a portion of what I had saved and paid KES 72,000 in total. Then I used KES 7,000 to purchase two sacks of maize and paid KES as transportation fee. Nutrition was challenging back in the village due to the fact that it barely rained and so we could barely farm nor harvest anything in order for us to manage having meals in the house.

It was around midnight when I was in my house resting with my spouse. I heard my mobile phone ringing, I was left wondering who could be sending messages at such time since It's unusual to receive a message at that late hours. I decided to verify my phone and noticed a message stating that I had received my transfer. I had to wait until morning to inform my husband about the good news since I did not want to bother him. I was so excited about receiving my transfer that night and I could not sleep because of the happiness that filled my heart. In the morning I informed the rest of my family members and we celebrated and thank God for receiving our transfer.

The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am currently owning livestock that will assist me in the future in any financial challenge that might arise. In addition, it will assist me in educating my 5 grandchildren who were left under my care after their parents died 3 years ago. Previously, they were always sent home due to lack of school fees since my job of casual labour could not afford to keep them in school as well as provide for their meals. This made two of them to resort early marriages something that disturbed me too much.

Upgrading my livestock rearing was my desire in life. This is because most of the animals that I had were for my neighbor. I had wished to own for some for myself but I lack the financial capacity. After receiving the transfer, I used KES 35,000 to purchase 15 goats, this is a long-term investment for my family which will help us in case I face any financial challenges in life. In addition, I bought modern beddings for KES 11,500, we were using the traditional beddings which were uncomfortable and always results in severe body aches after sleeping. Furthermore, I used the remaining amount to purchase enough food for my family of 9 members.