Working as a security guard allows me to only provide for the family’s basic needs such as food and education. The cash program opened financial doors for me to pursue poultry farming, and am grateful to have acquired eight chickens and ten ducks so far. I was drifted towards keeping poultry as an income stream because it is less costly than running any kind of business. As the flock increased, I sought to construct a shed to accommodate the birds. So, I spent most of the three recent transfers to acquire six pieces of iron sheets worth 6,000 KES and hired a constructor to take up the exercise, for whom I compensated 3,000 KES. I look forward to spending the next transfers on cement and two doors to complete the pen construction project.

I took a phone on my first transfer since I didn't have a phone to communicate with others as mine had gotten into water. Without a phone I felt like I was I the dark. Noe I am able to communicate with people as well as be informed. I am also able to get my money within good time. The rest of my first transfer went into reducing my son's schoold fees debt of 5000 shillings which is now 3000 since i paid 1200 shillings from the transfer and alittle more of 800 from my own earnings to the school. I used the second transfer to meet my goal which I have had for a while of starting a chicken business but I had no housing for the hens. I have bought 3 pieces or roofing sheets as at now the third transfer partially paid for wood as well as other biulding tools at 2500 shillings. I am hoping that the subsequent transfers will help finish the whole project. I used the remaining 500 shillings to buy food for myself and my family. I have had a problem raising money for my family for many basic things due to the scarcity of work which means that now I am unable to bring money to meet the basic needs home. I believe the transfers and the small business will help cover for this deficiency.

I am so grateful for the financial assistance I have received so far from this program because considering that I was laid off work, making ends meet became very difficult especially when it came to taking care of my family of six. But GiveDirectly, through its funds has provided help even in settling debts that were going to take me quite sometime and this includes even assistance in the continuation of my sons education.

I had pending arrears in my sons tuition fee for his secondary education since I had yet to pay for that term so when the message arrived that I had finally received the money I went and ahead and compiled it with KES 2,000 that was part of my savings plus the KES 3,000 that I had received and settled the debt thus clearing any balances I owed the school which was KES 5,000 and my son could comfortably attend his classes.

I received the text message at 8 pm. I was from work and my phone had been charging all day. I went picked it up and opened it. To my surprise, I received the text message that I had received the money from GiveDirectly. I was very happy. I knew finally that my dream of owning livestock would come true.

The money has already made a great difference in my life. I have always wanted to buy livestock for myself. Money was the greatest challenge for me. Every time I tried to save up an emergency would come up and I will have to use up the money. Now that I have the livestock with me I am very happy and hoping that they will help me in my life.

I am very happy that I received the money. I have always wanted to own livestock of my own. The major challenge that I have faced is that I did not have money to buy even one livestock to start with. When I received this cash I had already planned that I will buy two young goats so that I will start the rearing of these goats. I spent the KSH 1200 together with money that I had saved initially and bought the two goats. I am optimistic with these two goats I have now, something big will come out of them. I am planning to rear them and once they do multiply I will sell some buy a cow and also from the money I will be able to attend to my needs.