My dream is to add more goats to my flock. Those five goats, purchased with the financial transfer, are the foundation upon which I can build a more stable and prosperous life. While I may not be able to toil in the fields like I used to, I know that these goats can be a source of income and sustenance for my family. As the goats breed and multiply, I have the opportunity to expand my flock. Selling some of the offspring will generate the funds necessary to buy food and meet other essential expenses for my family of six.

I sincerely share my admiration for GiveDirectly's approach. Their commitment to providing unconditional cash transfers empowers individuals and families to address their most immediate and pressing needs with autonomy and dignity. It is remarkable to see how these transfers have had a tangible and positive impact on my life and the lives of others. From acquiring assets to putting food on the table and easing the burden on elderly individuals, GiveDirectly's approach seems to be making a real difference, so there is no need for change.

Whoever said age is just a number almost lied. Old age comes with its share of challenges, for instance, fending for the family, especially on hard jobs like land cultivation and casual jobs. As a man and breadwinner, I have to look for alternative sources of income. My family of six has, for the longest time, depended on goat farming for a living. However, the drought has almost made this a challenge, as goats died during this season for lack of food. Even though this has been the case, I have never lost hope. When I received the transfers, I spent $250 on purchasing five goats so as to earn income from the sale once they bred. In addition to this, I spent $70 on food for the household and a further $130 on renovating my two-room iron-roofed house, which often leaks in the rainy season. As I look around our modest but now improved home, I cannot help but feel a sense of contentment. The future is uncertain, and age may have slowed me down, but the determination to provide for my family burns as brightly as ever. Those five goats in the backyard and the renovated house stand as symbols of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. In this moment, I am grateful for the opportunity to make a better life for my loved ones, and I know that even in old age, there is room for new beginnings.

My primary ambition is to finally seek the much-needed medical attention that has been delayed due to financial constraints. With the arrival of my third transfer, I can now turn this aspiration into a reality. The financial assistance provided has been a lifeline, allowing us to attain a level of financial independence that was previously elusive. I am eternally grateful for this support, as it has brought hope and relief to my life.

GiveDirectly programs were characterized by fairness and transparency. Each household was treated with respect, and they diligently visited every home to understand the true situation on the ground. The assistance provided by GiveDirectly had a transformative effect on our lives, significantly elevating our standard of living. Their support and empowerment extended to our entire community, without any form of discrimination. Throughout the process, I observed no flaws or actions that lacked integrity. The organization's commitment to honesty and integrity was evident in all aspects of their work.

Upon receiving my transfer, I made a strategic decision to invest $200 in purchasing four goats to add to my existing stock. I knew that this would boost my income significantly. Additionally, I spent $170 to purchase essential food supplies and wisely set aside $50 for daily expenses. As I've grown older, I lack the energy to engage in strenuous work, so I now focus on caring for my goats. Living alone since the passing of my wife long ago, I find contentment in the accomplishments I have achieved thus far. I firmly believe that these steps have had a profound positive impact on my life, for which I am sincerely grateful. The newfound financial stability and companionship with my goats have brought a sense of fulfillment and peace during this phase of my life.

My phone was in the pocket and I was busy looking after my flock of goats when I heard a rumor that GiveDirectly had begun disbursing the promised funds to individuals. When I checked my phone, I saw an unread Mpesa message and when I opened it, I saw that I had received KES 18000 from an unidentified sender. I waited patiently for my helper to return home and when he told me that GiveDirectly had indeed sent the promised cash, my heart was overjoyed. Due to the ongoing drought in our area, I had lost hope that I would be able to fulfill some of my life ambitions. However, this money gave me new hope.

I am suffering from malaria, but I'm relieved knowing that I won't have to worry about feeding my loved ones throughout the period that I can't work. The reason for this is because I still have the maize that I purchased with the transfer. Aside from that, I'm happy to have two new goats in my flock. I now have a guarantee for my family's future availability of food thanks to this.

Since they multiply quickly and I wouldn't have to worry about getting stolen by cattle rustlers, I've always preferred raising goats rather than cows. In addition, selling goats is simple because it's lot simpler to find a buyer for them than it is for cows. I occasionally sold some of my goats to help pay for food for my family due to the ongoing drought in my area. Their population had decreased as a result of this. Currently, I'm pleased that the transfer allowed me to add two goats to my herd, bringing their total to 20. I paid $ 9 for them. Aside from that, I spent $8 on the purchase and delivery of 90 kg of corn for our consumption and kept the rest so I could use it to buy veggies. This maize will last us for a few weeks and I would not have to worry about where I would get the money to spend on food.