Through the funds I received from GiveDirectly I see a great positive change in my day to day life, especially since before I lived from hand to mouth and could even dare to think of buying farm animals, because the money I made was barely enough. I have no complaints whatsoever but rather I am happy and honoured to be apart of the program.

Upon receiving the transfers I decided that I was going to purchase a goat because I had really wanted to have more farm animals because they came in handy when an emergency arose and one was in need of money urgently. Farm animals were faster to sell since they were highly marketable. So I found someone to sell me a goat but unfortunately they went for KES 3,500 and I only had KES 3,000 from the transfers I had received. After negotiation, the seller decided to give me a discount of KES 500. Since I only had KES 3,000 on me, I begged the owner to take KES 2,000 instead and I promised to finish my debt the following month after I had received the transfers, luckily he agreed. After I took KES 260 from the balance I was left with and bought two packets of maize flour. I was left with KES 740 which I ended up using KES 300 for medical attention and the balance that remained for airtime and for payment when I took my phone for charging since I did not have electricity in my home.

I was sitting outside my house early in the morning after taking my breakfast. I was anxious as I was eagerly waiting to receive my transfer as the expected date had finally arrived. While sitting, my daughter-in-law came running towards me, informing me she had received a text message showing she had received her transfer. Without wasting time, I quickly reached out for my phone, which was in my house. I, too, confirmed I had received my transfer. I became thrilled and tears of joy rolled my cheeks. After a short celebration ceremony, I withdrew the money.

Yes, the money has made a big difference in my life. After receiving information on how best to use the money from GiveDirectly officers, my mind is now open and I have knowledge of how to invest the money well and reap benefits that will change my life for the better.

When I received my first transfer, I bought three chicken at a total cost of KSH 900. I bought the chicken because I view this to accumulate wealth through livestock farming. I have depended on crop farming for the better part of my life, but because of the harsh weather that we have been experiencing, I plan on venturing into other avenues of making money. For a start, I will rear them and once they multiply in numbers, I will sell some and buy goats and even cows. This will be a wonderful investment for me such that in case I need cash, sometimes in the future I can sell part of the livestock and sort out my needs. I then spent the remaining KSH 300 to buy some airtime and paying charging fees for the new phone that I received from GiveDirectly. I am happy that I can now talk to my relatives who live very far away unlike before when we had to meet physically to talk.