I am now in the process of building a new house through this money. I have been able to purchase enough iron sheets, building poles and also paying the mason for his job. I am now upgrading to a new iron-roofed house. I also bought a pair of oxen which will help me in my farming. I will no longer be hiring from the neighbours during the planting season. I am also expecting to plough my whole acreage timely for a better harvest. The transfer has also enabled me to effectively fulfil my family's basic needs such as foodstuffs and clothing for my children. Before the coming of GiveDirectly, I was struggling to provide for my family. But ever since receiving this money, we have never lacked food.

In my opinion, GiveDirectly has done well in giving us the money unconditionally to improve our living standards. Before then our lives were miserable. Accessing good shelter was just a dream to many of us. Also, the financial hardship we face couldn't even allow us to own any livestock. After getting the transfer, we have managed to build new decent houses and moreso, livestock as living assets and savings for the future. I do not see anything that GiveDirectly does not do well.

My previous house was in a very bad state with its roof dilapidated and nearly collapsing. When I received the second transfer, I spent a larger portion of it on purchasing 30 pieces of iron sheets, nails and building poles to construct a new house. I am expecting it to be ready for sheltering soon. It's a great joy for me to have a new house. Apart from this, I also spent the transfer on seeking medical attention and paying for my hospital bills. I had developed some stomach ulcers which required frequent check-up and medication. I always get medications ever since receiving this money unlike before when I would borrow money for this. I spent the remaining amount to buy daily foodstuffs and paying for my household expenses.

Owning a pair of oxen is the biggest difference in my daily life. I will be using my own pair of oxen to plough my farm thus no more money lost through hiring and will be doing it on time. Previously, I would hire from my neighbors which were a bit costly hence could sometimes delay my farming or fail to plan at all. It was hard for me doing a larger acreage thus my piece of land could be left uncultivated. I am now happy that owning this pair will make my farming much easier and cheaper. I am expecting a better harvest which would ensure food security for my family and surplus produce to sell for an income.

I heard my neighbors early that morning saying that they had received their first transfer from GiveDirectly and because I couldn't comprehend the messages on my phone, I quickly called for my helper who helped me to check the contents of the new message I had. I was instantly filled with happiness when I was told I had received the money from GiveDirectly.

I spent part of my first transfer to purchase a pair of oxen at KES 28000. My intention is to improve my farming by using more efficient tools because for long I have been using hoes that are not effective. I would only hire the oxen from neighbors which is costly. Having this pair will greatly help me to plough my farm on time. I had also begun to construct a new house because the old house was not spacious enough. I could not finish the house since the materials got depleted on the process and I could not purchase any due to financial constraints. I am happy that through this money, I managed to purchase the remaining materials which included iron sheets and timber. I am happy that my new house is now complete. I am spending the remaining amount to buy daily foodstuffs and other household items.