For a long period, I have been operating a motorcycle taxi service, assisting community members in transporting their purchased goods from the shopping center to their homes. Through this endeavor, I have gained valuable insights into the goods people seek from distant places and what's readily available in the local shopping center. These experiences have sparked numerous business ideas. Looking ahead to the next year, I aspire to establish a hardware shop specializing in construction materials and farm tools. Currently, I am diligently saving from my motorbike taxi business, and as soon as I approach the $2000 mark, I plan to stock the new shop with a comprehensive range of goods to serve the entire community. The goal is not only to save customers' time but also to reduce their transportation costs, offering them more affordable alternatives compared to the expenses they incur when shopping in town. This venture aligns with my vision of contributing positively to the community by providing convenient access to essential products while fostering economic efficiency.

GiveDirectly's support to our community has been helpful and impactful, in my opinion. Since their arrival in our village, they have executed their work seamlessly, adhering consistently to their criteria. The program has garnered widespread satisfaction, and the community, including myself, is elated to be part of this program, which has significantly contributed to improving our living standards. The financial support received has been a game-changer, enabling me to expedite the construction of a house, a goal that would have taken a considerably longer time to achieve through the inconsistent proceeds from my motorcycle taxi business. The unconditional cash support has allowed me to accomplish a great deal within a short timeframe, and I remain optimistic about completing all the ongoing projects before utilizing the entirety of the promised amount. The impact of GiveDirectly's support is tangible and holds the promise of a brighter future for individuals and the entire community.

Upon receiving the second transfer, I immediately thought about creating a more spacious and comfortable home for my family of three. I allocated funds wisely, investing $235 in 24 iron sheets, $105 in roofing frames, and $42 in 14 poles to start the construction process. Currently underway, I anticipate the completion of our new household by the end of this month, enabling us to move out of our current small living space and repurpose it as a kitchen. Additionally, I expanded our livestock holdings by adding two goats valued at $80, bringing the total to 10. This strategic move serves as a long-term investment, as I plan to sell the offspring to cover household expenses and contribute to my children's school fees in the future. The support from GiveDirectly has been instrumental in these transformative steps, and I am grateful for the positive changes in our lives. With the remaining transfers, I look forward to making further improvements for my family.

I learned about the arrival of my transfer in the evening because I was deeply absorbed in my work as a rider. Upon returning home, I noticed an Mpesa notification on my screen and upon checking, I discovered that I had received a payment from GiveDirectly. Words cannot adequately express the immense joy I felt that evening because I knew that I could finally pursue the goals I had set for myself. I immediately shared the exciting news with my equally thrilled and grateful wife.

The biggest difference in my life since I began receiving funds from GiveDirectly is that I was finally able to realize my dream of building a proper goat pen, something that was previously unattainable due to financial limitations. I am overjoyed that this dream became a reality within a relatively short period, and I now feel a deep sense of contentment.

Upon receiving our first transfer, my wife and I decided to invest the money in building a goat pen. This decision stemmed from our desire to enhance our goat-rearing venture, with hopes of eventually reaping profitable returns. Our financial circumstances had previously posed challenges due to the nature of our work; I work as a rider, and my wife is a farmer. Our income was primarily allocated to covering our basic necessities. We have been blessed with one child, which added to our responsibilities. Therefore, I spent $150 towards constructing the goat pen and utilized the remaining funds to purchase essential food items. I am elated that I was able to realize my goal in such a short time frame, and for this, I am truly grateful.