I had the same goals since the first transfer and the main was to build a bigger house with separate rooms because I had having a problem with the place to sleep as the house was so small and still served as the kitchen. So, we always had to wait for all the kitchen activities to be completed so that we could spread our beddings and retire for the night. It was so uncomfortable with all the smoke from the firewood that would have been used to prepare food. Therefore, it was my main aim and I am so grateful because I now have a house and that discomfort ended, all thanks to GiveDirectly.

I am so grateful because I've been going through hardships, having no regular job and a better place to sleep. I got the financial assistance that has no conditions neither does it have to be paid later, it was a very great opportunity for me to address the challenges that I have been facing in my life. I have a bigger house with enough space and security for my household items and other things I would own. I don't see anything that GiveDirectly doesn't do well, and I am so grateful personally.

I spent most of the transfer which was KES 35000 on building a bigger and more permanent house because we had been having a problem with the place to sleep as the house we have been living in previously was so small and also served as the kitchen. It was so smoky and very uncomfortable as well as used to pose health risks. This used to be the case because I didn't have much of a job as I only depended on a few occasional jobs in construction sites as a helper and labourer, earning barely enough for a day's single meal. Therefore, I am now very happy that I have this more permanent house that will stay for the long term and for the future too.

Happiness is not measured by how much some has or how much they received instead it is measured by any little thing that makes a positive direction or change in one’s life. While on my way heading to a quarry to break some stones to earn a living, is when I received the transfer message from GiveDirectly. I was overwhelmed and energized, instead of maybe returning home because I have already received some money and I was going to hustle for the same I gained more morale and strength of going to the quarry. The GiveDirectly transfer boosted my zeal to work more in the quarry and nobody knew I had such huge amount of money in my phone till I left for home after completing my portion.

The house is a mark and a symbol that represents GiveDirectly. From sleeping in the kitchen to a block house is a miracle I was not even foreseeing coming. Although the house is incomplete but I am sure upon receiving the second transfer, I will be able to complete it. Initially it was not a guarantee to get some meal on daily basis due to the poverty level I was living in but as at now my 6 children are assured of taking some meal every day. My family is now happy not as before when I fully relied on breaking stones for sale in the quarry.

Unfortunately, a day after receiving the transfer I lost my mother-in-law. I spend around KES 20000.00 in the whole process until we laid her to rest. Thereafter I decided to proceed with my plans which I planed even before receiving the transfer though the death was a big blow in the plan. My plan was to build a house since I was sleeping in a traditional kitchen. The place where I did my cooking, my chicken stays there and plus all the cooking utensils was also my bed where I slept on. With the remaining amount, I made some interlocking blocks, bought some cement and some building sand. Not forgetting to set aside some amount for food. The construction plan kicked off well and I am now eagerly waiting for the second transfer so that I complete my house.