Since I do not have any source of income or any prospect of getting money, I have not set any goals to achieve yet. This is because once I set a goal and I do not have the means of accomplishing it I will not have peace of mind. To avoid this, I usually plan once I get some money.

I am grateful for the support that I received from GiveDirectly. If it were not for them, I cannot know how the situation in our village would be bearing in mind that it was a drought season and people had no food at their homes. As of now, I am a happy herder since GiveDirectly has enabled me to have livestock at my home.

Upon withdrawing the money, the first thing I thought of was food for the family because the drought has made things very difficult in sourcing food and water. In that regard, I bought an adequate food stock worthy of KES 15000.00 for the family. Thereafter I bought ten goats for KES 35000.00. The reason for this is that I thought it prudent to convert the money into livestock rather than keeping it in the house. By buying the goats I feel the money is safer since if a need arises I will be in a position to sell an animal and sort it out than having the cash.

It was around 9 AM when I was from the dam fetching water with my sisters then I heard my phone vibrating continuously which was so unusual. I was so curious and decided to ask one of my children to co from for me the contents of the messages. I felt so happy after telling me that GiveDirecty had debuted my first transfers into my mobile account. To be sincere It was my first time receiving such a huge amount of money. As a family was couldn't hold our joy becasue we definitely knew that our lives will never be the same again.

A lot has been happening ever since I recived my first cash transfer but the fact that I now have goats in my compound, makes the biggest difference in my life. I settled for goats because all I know is that they normally reproduce very fast and require minimal supervision as compared to the other animals. Therefore, I am hoping in a few days to come will have many of them since two of them have reproduced which is very encouraging. I am sure in a very short period I will achieve most of my goals like starting a hotel business through the goats. In addition, being a jobless widower I have been taking care of my children with help of the well-wishers. Paying the school fees has however been the biggest challenge but I am now at peace becasue these assets will be of great help for their academic journey. Paying school fees for my children will no longer be a struggle as before. I will forever be thankful to GiveDirectly for restoring my family's dignity.

I spent part of my first transfer on buying livestock more so ten goats at KES 28000 that I am currently keeping as my assets. I am certain that even as they reproduce, they will help me in meeting my future financial needs with ease. In addition to that, I also bought a new bed and mattress at KES 6000, these were to relace the old traditional bed which was uncomfortable and caused me to have back pains all along. I am glad and even feeling much better because I no longer experience the pains as before. To add to that, I also bought a water tank 120litres at KES 1700 which is now a relief to me since I can be able to harvest rainwater. With the remaining amount of money, I am using it to buy enough foodstuffs for my family and other important household items.