My aim for this year is to purchase a cow. Once it reproduces, it will not only provide us with milk but also serve as a valuable investment that can be sold later. I plan to allocate my savings and upcoming transfers towards this goal. Investing in a cow is a significant decision for my family, one that will bring much-needed relief and stability. I am grateful to be part of this worthy cause, which brings a sense of fulfillment and joy.

Engaging in strenuous tasks has become challenging for me, but occasionally, I sell charcoal to support my family of nine. Times were especially tough during the severe drought when accessing food and finding casual work was challenging. Paying school fees was also a constant struggle, often resulting in my children being sent home from school. I am grateful for this program, as it has enabled me to afford school fees for my children as well as invest in goats and chickens. Additionally, I have also been able to save in our local savings club, earmarking the funds for future school fees. From the transfers received, I purchased a goat valued at $34, a wise investment to address urgent needs if necessary. I then acquired two iron roofing sheets for $20 to replace my deteriorating roof. The remaining $48 was allocated towards school fees, purchasing uniforms, and school bags for my children, as schools had reopened. Being part of this program fills me with joy and gratitude for the positive changes it has brought to our lives.

My primary goal for the upcoming year is to make a substantial investment in acquiring livestock. Selling the multiplied livestock will yield a substantial income, enabling me to support my family. Furthermore, this investment will complement my husband's earnings from tending to other people's cattle. I am grateful for the financial assistance provided through the transfers, which has been invaluable in supporting my endeavors.

I invested $66 in purchasing two goats and a hen, drawing on my extensive experience as a crop and livestock farmer. My decision to acquire these animals stems from my past loss of livestock due to a severe drought three years ago. I anticipate that these livestock will multiply and develop into a substantial herd, providing me with the opportunity to sell some and address my family’s needs. Furthermore, I acquired a single iron sheet as part of the ongoing process to replace the entire roof of my house, which currently has old and rusty iron sheets. I also contributed $20 towards my son's college education, where he is pursuing a teaching course. I am confident that upon completing his education, he will secure a promising job. In response to heavy rainfall, I allocated $400 to plow ¼ acre of land in preparation for planting. I am deeply appreciative of the financial assistance I am receiving through the transfers, as it has been instrumental in supporting my endeavors.

The main goal I have set for myself is to venture into livestock keeping, specifically goats and cows. I believe that by rearing these animals, I can grow my wealth and secure the education of my three children who are currently in school. As the sole providers for our family, my husband and I are determined to ensure that our children have access to quality education and a brighter future. Through the growth of livestock, I aim to not only provide for my family's needs but also to develop my financial stability.

In April, I spent $30 to buy a goat and used the rest of the money to purchase food. The primary goal at that time was to secure a source of income for my children's education. In May, my focus shifted to renovating my house, whose roof had collapsed due to strong winds. I managed to buy two iron sheets for the roof using $20. I also allocated $3 to pay school fees for my child in junior secondary, who was sent home for lacking examination fees, and saved $5 through a savings group. The remaining funds were used for food. In June, I bought another goat for $30 and spent the rest on food, continuing my effort to grow my source of income for the education of my children. In July, I allocated $10 for school fees for one of my children in high school and spent $23 to purchase uniforms and a school bag for another child who had been sent home due to the lack of these essential items. I have always had a strong desire to buy goats to secure my children's education, and I am pleased that I now have three goats. My husband, who used to provide for the family through charcoal burning, has paused that activity to focus on farming.

The roof of my house was blown away by strong winds. Which left a large opening that lets in water whenever it rains. I tried to seal it hole with an iron sheet but it did not do justice, my family still sufferers from cold nights. Repairing the roof would bring so much relief and save us suffering. The greatest problem is, I have never been able to complete this task because I have been prioritizing more pressing needs like food over other things. Though the financial constraints are still tight, I plan to start balancing my cash to provide both food and decent shelter for my family. 

Although my husband and I make charcoal for a living, our son usually supports us whenever he gets the chance. However, sometimes things get tough on both sides, which may force us to miss crucial meals or go to bed hungry. Given the unreliability of our sources of income, I thought it was wise to start rearing livestock, that will accumulate wealth when they reproduce. From the recent transfer, I used $29 to buy a goat and increased the number to three goats, all of whom I acquired via financial aid. As the household had run out of maize flour that day, I present the remaining amount on more food. In February, I used $15 to buy school uniforms for my child who was joining junior high school, and used $10 on books. Am grateful that I did not struggle much with her admission requirements courtesy of the transfers. I also spent the remaining amount on food in the household. 

Personally I am quite grateful for the generosity that has been shown to me from the organization. Through the funds I have been enabled when it comes to chipping in when it comes to catering for my family needs. Unlike before my children I rarely kicked out of school and nourishment has not been as challenging as it was before.

I have really been looking forward into investing more and growing my farm especially through buying livestock and poultry. I definitely would want to buy a cow but unfortunately they're quite costly and that is why I decided to spend KES 2,800 out of the money I received and buy a goat instead. The balance left was KES 600 which I proceeded to spend it on purchasing three packets of maize flour because at the time we were also struggling in the nutrition department.

Since my relatives had already received their transfers, I eagerly awaited a text message on my phone. I quickly handed the phone to my assistant when I received a text message a few minutes after 4 o'clock. She informed me that I had received my first transfer while beaming broadly on her face. I ululated loudly as my heart melted with happiness. She congratulated me as I got out of the chair and gave my daughter a tight hug.

The transfer's ability to help me pay off the sizable school fee balance that my children owed their school has had the biggest impact on my life. Prior to receiving the transfers, my kids would miss school for a maximum of two weeks due to a lack of funds to cover school fees. I'm glad they're back in class so they can finish their education without too many setbacks.

When I got my first transfer from GiveDirectly, I was ecstatic. My husband and I work odd jobs to make ends meet. While my husband is a mason who constructs mud homes, I sell charcoal. We struggle to support the family's needs because of the meager wages we each receive from our jobs. Our three primary school-aged children have accumulated significant debt as a result, and they were expelled. They stayed at home for three days while I put in a lot of effort to find money to make up the arrears. I spent $9 to partially settle the school fee arrears, allowing my children to return and continue with their studies. The last $3 I had was used to buy food for my family. We had used up all of the food in our supply the day before, so there was nothing left. I purchased two packets of maize flour, that would fed my family for two days.