The construction work I have been doing since my second transfer may take up the greater part of this year. I don't have any new goals at the moment, but I am working hard to ensure that I raise enough money to purchase all of the necessary construction materials as well as pay the labor charges. Despite the fact that I am also paying school fees for my three children, I believe that the proceeds from the farming activities I am currently engaged in with the assistance of my husband, who is also in the sawmill business, will assist in the completion of the construction work in the coming year.

After receiving the unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly, a lot changed in each household. It was a fantastic idea to provide us with financial assistance because it solved unique challenges in each family. We also appreciated the fact that GiveDirectly came to our house and observed our difficulties, then decided to enroll based on their criteria without any influence from anyone in the village, and later sent the support directly to our accounts. Everything was greatly appreciated, and I hope the same is true for other villages.

I had to demolish the old hut and relocate all kitchen activities to the new space after constructing a decent kitchen with a portion of the first transfer. Because of its space and ease of cleaning, it has since served my family of five well. It was my intention to build another better family house, so when I received the second transfer, I spent $486 on 36 iron sheets. I have not begun construction yet because I am still saving for other construction materials as well as some extra money to cover labor costs. I also used some of the remaining funds to purchase some building poles worth $40 and foodstuff. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for their generous support, which has made it possible not only for me to transform my family, but also for other households in the village to do a lot with the money they received.

I was busy doing some house chores when I got a short message on my phone. I took it out of my pocket and check its content and to my surprise, it was KES 55000 which I had received from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy as I was full of stress due to a lack of money for paying school fees for my three children who are in school. From that moment, I knew that my problems would be solved as I had received money which was enough to pay the school fees arrears.

I do depend on farming and casual jobs so that I can provide for my family. Earnings from these casual jobs are menial and I would prioritize buying foodstuffs and save some small amount for school fees. I am glad that I was able to clear arrears and I have paid school fees for the whole term. At no point will my children be sent home from school. Whenever they were sent home I would get stressed as I couldn't afford to pay their fees in good time. Clearing school fees in good time are the biggest difference in my life.

I have three children who are in school, one of them is in high school and the two others are in private primary school. I spent KES 23000 on paying their school fees for the whole term. That brought me some peace as my children wouldn't be sent home like they used to be before. The other portion, I spent on buying some building materials for constructing a new house and also bought some foodstuffs for my family.