The devastating drought that has lasted for more than five months in our region has made it impossible for us to engage in any farming activity, which would have greatly aided in food provision for our families as well as payment of school fees for our children with surplus produce. I am grateful that it has finally rained, and my new goal is to invest more in farming in order to ensure that I plant at the right time in the hope of reaping better during the harvest period. Because of the unpredictability of the weather, I intend to focus on short-season crops that will be easy to manage in the event of brief rains.

GiveDirectly, in my opinion, does well by providing financial assistance that has drastically transformed many families in our village. The free cash transfers allowed us to make our own spending decisions because they did not limit us to specific options but instead gave us a wide range of options to choose from. This encouraged hard work because each household wanted to make a significant difference. GiveDirectly does everything so well, and we hope to see them prosper as they expand to other villages.

I have been focused on running my livestock-selling business for the past five months because it has been my only source of income after a complete failure in farming due to the prolonged droughts. When I spent $170 to increase my running capital, I was able to add the stock and earn a higher profit every market day - thanks to GiveDirectly's assistance. This would help with household food purchases as well as paying a portion of my six children's school fees. I also spent $250 on a heifer to supplement the lactating cow I had on my farm. I plan to increase milk production from the two to generate more income through milk sales and offspring that can be sold to pay school fees and other household bills. I also used the remaining $100 to pay school fees for my son and daughter, who are in secondary school. I am grateful for the help that has transformed my family and boosted my business, which now earns me at least $20 profit in every market.

A message from GiveDirectly that confirmed the receipt of the first transfer brought forth a lot of joy in my family when I informed them. I was in the nearby shopping center and had to rush home to inform my family that was very excited about the news as well. I withdrew the amount on the second day and paid for some goods through mobile money transfer with part of the amount.

The most significant difference in my daily life is the construction of a new house that has just started. We had been sharing a small space in the current house and my children would not get a space to read on after school. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for the support and hopefully, the construction will soon be complete.

I spent KES 23700 from my first transfer on the purchase of the construction materials, which included 24 iron sheets and some wood, and also nails. I am looking forward to constructing a spacious house that will shelter my family of eight. I also paid KES 1000o school fees for my two daughters in secondary school who are now happy that they can study with no interference. In addition, I purchased enough foodstuff, kitchenware, and other household goods with the remaining amount. I am grateful and working hard to complete the construction of my new house for my children to get enough reading space in the future.