Despite facing financial constraints, I have long harbored the desire to venture into livestock farming. While relying on inconsistent subsistence farming as our main source of income, I have aimed to generate surplus sales to bolster our savings, which would eventually fund the purchase of livestock. Despite the challenges posed by severe droughts, I remain hopeful for the upcoming planting season and anticipate planting maize on an available acre of land. The proceeds from this endeavor will be used to acquire more goats to supplement the four I currently possess. This project holds significant importance to me as it serves as a financial safety net during challenging times when alternative sources of income are limited. Looking ahead, I am committed to improving and expanding this venture in the coming year and beyond.

Before receiving the transfers, many village members lacked decent housing, and some did not own any livestock. With the promise of support from GiveDirectly, everyone eagerly anticipated its arrival, and we were all thrilled and grateful when it finally came through. We used the funds to fulfill our long-held aspirations, and we have no complaints about the process. However, we hope for a scale-up that would accommodate the few people within our village whom we feel may have been unfairly left out. We are simply grateful that everything went so smoothly, and we express our heartfelt thanks.

In our elderly age, my spouse and I find ourselves living alone as our children have all grown and started their own families. Our simple home, a single-room structure made of metal sheets all around, has been our home for years. GiveDirectly's support brought lots of hope into our lives, and with the final transfer, we decided to address a pressing need: a separate house for our visiting grandchildren. Despite the challenges posed by our current dwelling, including leaks in the roof, we managed to make it more habitable. We allocated $300 for construction materials and $70 for labor, completing the new house that now offers us and our guests more space and comfort. Additionally, we invested $70 in purchasing food to sustain us and used the remainder to acquire essential household items, including utensils to replace our old and worn-out ones. We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to improve our living conditions and create a welcoming space for our family.

In the coming years, my upcoming endeavor will revolve around establishing a goat-rearing and poultry project. I have a strong conviction that this undertaking will effectively meet my financial needs. In the past, starting such a project was daunting due to financial limitations. However, with the assistance of my third transfer, I am determined to transform this dream into a concrete reality. Above all, I am deeply thankful for the significant strides I have already made.

I was truly amazed by the flexibility we enjoyed in utilizing the funds to address our specific requirements. The field officers went the extra mile to provide us with comprehensive explanations of the program, and they also shared valuable security insights to safeguard our finances. In my evaluation, the program's operations seem to be exceptionally well-executed, with no inefficiencies.

With the arrival of my second transfer, I finally had the opportunity to fulfil a long-standing dream of building a decent house. This was not easy before, as my wife and our six grandchildren were confined to our old house, while I had to live in someone else's house because ours was too small to accommodate us all. However, achieving this goal has been a challenge in the past due to the lack of a stable income, as I rely on my children who often have their own financial responsibilities. Thanks to the $450 from the transfer, I used the entire amount to construct the house. These accomplishments have filled me with gratitude, contentment, and pure joy.

I remember the day I got my transfer vividly. I was at home, unwinding when my daughter sprang some surprising news on me, GiveDirectly had actually sent me money. I had asked her to manage the Mpesa transaction for me since I am illiterate. A blend of astonishment and delight washed over me. It was unquestionably the most uplifting news I had encountered in a long time. Overflowing with immense joy, we right away immersed ourselves in conversations about the best way to make use of the funds. I am deeply appreciative of the assistance that has led to an incredible change in my life.

The chance to accumulate a substantial stock of food has deeply transformed my everyday existence. Formerly, financial limitations prevented me from buying food in larger quantities, leading to a precarious lifestyle. The attainment of this milestone brings me immense happiness, guaranteeing a consistent food supply. The profound impact of this extraordinary opportunity has left me overflowing with gratitude, as it has brought about a life-altering change that knows no bounds.

Receiving the transfer during my old age was the most significant blessing I encountered, primarily due to the pressing need for food in supporting my extensive family which includes children and grandchildren. The longstanding dream of ensuring an ample food supply within our household has been hindered by financial constraints, given my age and reduced ability to rely solely on farming and my children's income, which barely met our basic necessities. However, upon receiving the transfer, I promptly spent the entire sum to purchase essential food items. The impact of this milestone on my life has been profound, leaving me immensely thankful for the remarkable improvements it has brought about.