Receiving my transfers will finally allow me to pursue my long-held dream of opening a retail shop business in Loropil Center. Financial constraints have always held me back from realizing this ambition, but now, with this opportunity, I am eager to make it happen. As a family, we have been relying on income from charcoal burning, but it barely covers our basic needs, leaving nothing to save for the future. All our earnings are spent on food and school fees for my children, leaving us in a cycle of financial instability. I plan on spending $600 of the transfers to kickstart this business which feels like a step in the right direction. I believe that the retail business holds great potential in our area, as basic commodities such as food are in high demand and have a fast turnover. Additionally, I am confident in my ability to attract customers, given my established network of friends and acquaintances. This venture represents not only an opportunity to improve our financial situation but also a chance to build a stable and sustainable source of income for my family of five. I am excited to see my dream come to fruition and to provide a better future for my loved ones.

When I completed grade 12 back in 2007, my high school friend and I drifted apart as we moved to different locations. Unfortunately, we lost touch over the years as she changed her contact information, and we could not keep up with each other like before. However, about three months ago, she visited Marigat town and began searching for me. I was thrilled when she managed to locate me through a mutual friend and came to visit my home. It was such a special moment to reconnect and reminisce about the old days we shared in high school. We caught up on each other's lives and relived some of our favourite memories. I am grateful that we have been able to stay in touch since her visit, often communicating and talking on the phone. I am eagerly looking forward to visiting her place once she is on holiday. It is amazing how friendships can pick up right where they left off, and I am excited to spend more time with my dear friend, catching up on lost time and creating new memories together.

The recent changes in Kenya's economy have family hard. The prices of basic commodities such as food have increased, making it difficult for us to afford our daily needs. As a family of five, we rely on charcoal burning as our main source of income, earning $5 per bag. On a good month, I can harvest up to 10 bags, which we use to buy food and pay for our children's high school fees. But it is not easy. Charcoal burning is physically demanding and highly competitive, especially since it seems like everyone in the Ng'ambo sublocation is doing it too. And to make matters worse, the middlemen involved in the business often exploit us, driving down our profits even further. I am worried about the future of this job. It is becoming increasingly tiresome and less lucrative, and the market conditions are not helping either. I know I need to find a solution soon before things get even worse for my family. It will not be easy, but I am determined to find a way to provide for my family and secure a better future for us all.