Had it not been this transfer from GiveDirectly, then I would still be begging my neighbours for shelter. My life is currently different because I can access to a good shelter after many years of trouble. I also have a pair of oxen that I believe it will greatly help me in doing my farming timely and early preparations for an increased harvest. I recently got a good harvest since I ploughed my whole acreage, which was difficult before since hiring oxen was expensive.

GiveDirectly did well in giving us the freedom to spend on anything that would help us to improve our living standards which we have achieved now. I do not see anything that GiveDirectly doesn't do well in their operations.

My house collapsed many years ago and because I lacked the financial resources to construct a new one, I was forced to seek shelter from my neighbours. When I received my second transfer, my priority was to build the new house. Thus I took a larger portion of it to buy building materials that include iron sheets, building poles and paid for labour. Apart from this, I spent KES 8000 to buy an ox plough to use with my pair of oxen in ploughing my farm. I spent the money that remained having done all these on buying some foodstuffs and paid for the daily household expenses.

The biggest difference in my daily life is the purchase of the oxen which I did not have before as this has really changed my life since it is a long term investment to me. I know I will be able to produce much food enough for my family now that the oxen will be tilling bigger acreage of land as well as relieving me the burden of hiring from neighbours.

Receiving this transfer made me happier than before and at least I could now think positively on reshaping my future plans, and I felt like the heavy burden of poverty and owning nothing at all had been offloaded from my heart and I could smile, for with this amount I will base on improving my own life.

I spent part of my first transfer to buy a pair of oxen for ploughing. Previously I was farming and cultivating a small piece of land which would produce poor harvests which would not last long, due to the inefficient methods I was applying and also it was expensive to hire from neighbours. Oxens are always the better choice in my area for anyone who would wish to cultivate a bigger tract of land and for early preparations which promises better yields. I know that with this single pair, it will relieve me the burden of hiring from neighbours and be able to increase my acreage. I also spent part of my transfer to purchase 3 goats that and I am trusting that they will reproduce and be able to further my investments and also will be of great help to help me providing education to my children. On the remaining amount, I bought some food for my family and also did some shopping for children for this was an opportunity for me to prepare as the schools reopen for another year.