One of my key plans is to establish a dairy cow farm, which I believe will not only serve as a source of income but also provide essential proteins for my family. Additionally, I am counting on the goats I have recently purchased to play an important role in my strategy; as they multiply, I intend to sell or exchange them for cows, further expanding my agricultural pursuits. Despite the financial challenges I've faced, I am determined to rely on my modest income to achieve these goals. In the past, my limited resources were primarily directed towards addressing the immediate needs of my family, making it difficult to invest in ventures with long-term benefits. However, I am optimistic that with careful planning and dedication, I can overcome these obstacles and work towards realizing my aspirations.

GiveDirectly has truly transformed not just my life but the lives of many who've been fortunate recipients of their unconditional cash. The freedom to decide how to use the funds, based on our individual needs and circumstances, has been a game-changer. Instead of being restricted to predetermined items, the cash allowed me to address the most pressing issues in my life, like improving my living conditions and ensuring my family's well-being. However, it got me thinking; perhaps it would be beneficial if there was a community discussion, a barasa, on whether recipients should be given cash or specific items. Unexpected challenges can arise, hindering us from fulfilling promises made when provided with predetermined items.

Upon receiving the second cash transfer, I decided to invest $200 in purchasing 5 goats. My plan is to start a goat rearing project with the hope that they will multiply over time. My ultimate goal is to exchange them for cows, providing a sustainable source of income for my family. This investment is crucial as I have two children who heavily rely on me, and being a small-scale farmer focused on food crops doesn't always cover our needs. Despite being a retired plumber with no pension benefits, I manage to earn around $100 on a good month, which often falls short of meeting our family's financial requirements. Additionally, I rely on government payments for the elderly. The remaining amount from the cash transfer was used to give a decent send-off to my daughter, who tragically lost her life in an accident. The cash transfer has been a lifeline, allowing me to plan for the future and address immediate needs.

At approximately 3 p.m., my phone came to life with a buzzing Mpesa SMS from Segovia Technology, a name I had come to associate with GiveDirectly's support. I found myself in the midst of a subchief meeting, a gathering where we exchanged updates on our village's progress, when the message arrived. The moment I read those words, a rush of joy enveloped me because I realized that my long-held dream of renovating our leaky house was on the verge of becoming a reality. I could not wait to share this joy with my family. For too long, my family of four had endured the hardships of living in a deteriorating home where each rain was a source of worry. The looming El Nino rains had filled me with dread. However, the transfers that had now come into our possession filled me with confidence and relief. With this financial support, I knew we could renovate our house before the rainy season descended upon us, ensuring a safer and drier living space for my family.

The impact of the transfers on my life has been profound. Prior to receiving the funds, I was unable to allocate any finances to purchase goats because all the income generated from farming was channeled towards providing food for my family of four. However, with the support from these transfers, I was able to invest in goats. This decision is significant because it opens up an avenue for future income generation. As these goats breed, I can look forward to selling them, and this additional income will significantly contribute to the financial well-being of my family. I can confidently say that my financial status has undergone a positive change, offering greater stability and prospects for the future.

When I received my transfers, I spent $300 on renovating our two-roomed house, a vital upgrade that would provide us with a safer and more comfortable living space. In addition, I set aside $50 for my daughter's school fees as she pursued her education in grade 12. Education is a priority in our family, and this investment in her future was crucial. To meet our immediate needs, I allocated $27.5 for food and $20 for my medication, ensuring both sustenance and health were covered. The remainder of the funds were wisely utilized to construct a goat shed, which had the potential to provide additional income for our family. We rely on farming, cultivating green grains, cassava, cowpeas, and maize to meet our household needs. With the support from these transfers, I am deeply grateful that my family's well-being has been uplifted, and we now have food on the table, providing a more stable and secure future for us all.