I now have a herd of goats, and I am optimistic I will gain a lot from them as they multiply. But in the following year, I want to get two oxen and an ox-drawn plow. It is a doable project, and I am optimistic that I will achieve it by the end of the following year. I am also eager to start raising chickens. Even though I have not purchased them, I am still excited to work on them and watch this happen. I shall be so glad to witness that improvement in my way of life.

GiveDirectly does well by providing unconditional cash transfers that allow us to choose how to spend the money. This strategy is good because we can always put our needs first. I have seen a good change in my life since the last transfer. I managed to buy a new bed and mattress, so now, unlike before, I have better and more comfortable bedding. Similarly, many households have succeeded in constructing new homes. Whenever one takes a stroll in the village, they are often astounded by the bright, shiny roofs of recently built houses. On the other hand, I have not found anything that GiveDirectly does poorly.

Despite my advanced age, I live alone because I am single. Since I had someone manage the business for me when I received my most recent transfer, I gave investing some of its top priority. Therefore, I spent $80 to buy a used sewing machine. Unfortunately, it has not yet been delivered, but I am optimistic I will receive it soon. I used the remaining money to purchase food and goats, which were my top priorities. I am content with my current herd of five goats. I always enjoy taking care of them out in the field. I saved the remaining transfer for later use.

I realized about the transfer at around 8 am when the helper come to the house and revealed that the transfer was out. At first, I was shocked and thought have not received it like other beneficiaries. The helper checked on the phone and discovered I had the transfer in the account. I felt extremely happy about receiving the transfer that would transform my life for the better.

The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am happy we have reliable income for the family after starting a taxi business and dressmaking for my wife. Before, we had to struggle so much to provide for our essential needs, especially food. Being temporary casual laborer, most of the time we could hardly take two meals per day due to the high cost of living. Similarly, I am positive that the income from my wife's dressmaking job will enable her to take care of the smallest family necessities. I am thankful to God and the organization for the opportunity to better our lives.

I spent my transfer to purchase a sewing machine for KES 10,000. This was for my wife who is experienced in dressmaking but lacked the capital to acquire a machine. Previously, she was working for someone earning a very low income which could not sustain her and the needs of the entire family. I also bought a second-hand motorbike for KES 10,000 that will assist me in fetching water for the family since we are currently getting water from a very far place that is 20 kilometers away. Moreover, I will use it to engage in a taxi business that will earn income for the family. With the two income-generating activities, we will be able to cater for the needs of the family as well as save for our future. In addition, I spent KES 11,000 to purchase modern bedding since we were using old traditional ones which were uncomfortable. The remaining amount assisted me in acquiring enough food for the family that has been feeding it till now.