I took a loan from the Kenya Seed Board to invest in planting maize, and I plan to repay it once I harvest and sell the maize. With the remaining amount, I intend to open a small kiosk at home to sell foodstuffs. This will help ensure we have something to eat and allow us to continue with our lives.

GiveDirectly has done great things in our lives by providing unconditional cash that allows us to make our own decisions on how to use it. Your follow-up to understand how we have used the money and the way you educate us before disbursing the cash are highly commendable. I haven’t seen any areas for improvement because you already provide education before starting your work and continue to do an excellent job. There is nothing more that needs improvement.

My husband passed away a long time ago, leaving me with four children and one grandchild to take care of. Fortunately, he left me with many goats, which I used to sell one by one to pay for my children’s school fees. However, since I received my last cash transfer from GiveDirectly, I stopped selling the goats and allocated $200 specifically for my children's school fees. Previously, I used the second transfer to purchase some building materials, and with the third transfer, I spent $120 to complete the house. The house was in poor condition, with mud walls that often cracked and leaked when it rained. Additionally, I used $80 to buy foodstuffs. I used to make charcoal to make ends meet, but with the cash I received, I was able to stock up on food. Lastly, I spent the remaining $50 on new clothes for us so that we could feel like the wealthier people out there. Thank you so much, GiveDirectly, for making this possible.

Due to the unpredictable weather conditions affecting my maize farming, I have decided to diversify my crops for the coming year. Instead of solely relying on maize, which has been prone to drying up prematurely due to extended dry spells, I plan to experiment with drought-resistant crops like green grams and beans. These crops have shorter lifespans and are better suited to withstand dry conditions, giving me hope for improved productivity. My goal is to sell the harvest and use the proceeds to buy maize for my family's staple food. I will allocate any surplus income towards supporting my children's education, as one is in primary school and the other is in secondary school. Through this, I will ensure there is enough food for my family and support my children's education.

What I appreciate most about GD is their unconditional cash transfers, allowing us to use the money based on our individual needs. Thanks to this support, I was able to fulfill my dream of purchasing a dairy cow. Soon, this cow will calve, saving me from the expense of buying milk and ensuring my young grandchildren have milk for their tea without any worries of taking black tea. This assistance from GD has made a significant difference in my life, and I am truly grateful for it.

I have been raising my six children ever since my spouse passed away a few years ago. It has been tough, especially without a steady income. I rely on farming maize on my 2.5 acres of land and doing odd jobs on other people's farms just to make ends meet. One thing I have always dreamed of was owning a dairy cow, but my finances never allowed it, especially with the unpredictable weather conditions affecting our farming activities. When I received the second transfer, I saw it as my opportunity to turn this dream into reality. I used $220 to buy a cow, hoping it would calf next year. Seeing the cow graze about makes me happy, and I am confident that it will supply milk that it will provide milk for my family's consumption and sell the surplus, easing our financial burden. Additionally, I have saved the remaining amount from the transfer to add on the next one. I plan to use it to build a better iron-sheet house. Our current muddy one roomed-house is too small for all of us, and it's difficult to maintain as it needs frequent smearing. I intend to build a bigger, iron-sheet house that will offer more space and ease frequent maintainance.

Receiving the transfers from GiveDirectly was a tremendous blessing for me. As an elderly individual, farming is not just a livelihood but a way of life for my family of six. The $120 I spent on goats and $40 on maize were strategic investments, considering the sustainable benefits they could bring. The goats, in particular, hold promise for a steady income through their milk, meat, and future offspring. Maize, being a staple, contributes significantly to our food security. With the remaining funds, I wisely chose to invest in household essentials like cooking oil and sugar, ensuring that the daily needs of my family are met. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for the assistance that has truly transformed my life. The support has not only provided immediate relief but has also opened doors to a more secure and stable future for me and my loved ones.

Since receiving the transfers, my life has undergone a remarkable transformation. Before, I had only two goats, but with the assistance provided, I was able to add two more to my livestock. This seemingly simple act holds great significance for me and my family of six. The additional goats not only represent an increase in our assets but also a new avenue for generating income. I plan to sell their produce to secure a steady income that will contribute to providing for the needs of my family. This newfound financial stability is a source of great relief and optimism for the future. I am truly grateful for the support I received, as it has empowered me to make tangible improvements in my life. The ability to expand my livestock not only enhances my economic prospects but also ensures a more secure and stable environment for my family. The positive changes brought about by the transfers have instilled a sense of hope and resilience in me, and I am eager to continue building on these improvements for a better future.

In the coming year, I am hopeful to embark on a transformative journey for my family. The plan is to construct a one-roomed cable house that would provide more space and comfort for my family of six. Currently residing in a mud-floored house, I believe this new accommodation will not only offer a better living environment but also enable me to pass on our current residence to my children. The envisioned project also includes completing the school fee payment for my daughter, who is in grade 12. Education is a priority, and ensuring that my daughter can pursue her studies without any hindrance is of utmost importance. To finance these endeavors, I am looking to utilize the profits generated from our farm produce. The farm has been a lifeline for us, and I plan to optimize its potential. Additionally, I intend to engage in charcoal production as an additional source of income. I have estimated that the budget required for these aspirations is approximately $500. This amount will cover the construction of the cable house and contribute to my daughter's education fund. It's a significant undertaking, and I am optimistic that with careful planning and hard work, I can create a better future for my family.