I had these goals all along since the first transfer which were buying livestock and completing the construction of my house that I had started by buying the materials with the first transfer. I had stuck with these goals because for the goats are an investment that will help me in the future with educating my children and as for the house, I needed a better and proper one because I didn't have one and used to share my son's which was also a makeshift one as well as so small. Therefore, I didn't have any new goals that I didn't have before receiving this second transfer.

I am so grateful for how the program improved our living standards because it was something that I never expected as I was stranded especially with my children's school fees arrears that had accumulated over a long period of time to levels that I just couldn't deal with. However, since I got enrolled in the program and received the transfers, I was able to address all the pressing challenges I was facing especially settling my children's school fees arrears, getting livestock and a better house for myself. I didn't see anything that it was not done well as all the GiveDirectly Field Officers were very kind and so compassionate. The whole village was helped and our living standards were improved to heights that we could never expect to get. We are all so grateful.

I spent most of the transfer which was KES 18000 on buying 6 goats because they are an investment that will help me address the financial challenges I will be facing in the future, especially educating my children. I not only believe but also know for sure that they will multiply and increase in numbers which inturn turn I'll be able to sell one or two and settle my children's school fees arrears and pay their term school fees. Selling one or two of the goats will also leave me with some money that I'll use to meet my family's daily immediate needs. I couldn't afford to have these goats before as I didn't have much of a job and I solely depended on my charcoal burning and selling business which barely raised enough money to even enable me meet my family's immediate needs. I also spent KES 12000 on labour charges for construction of my house because I didn't have a house after the one we had been living in collapsed as it was in a very poor state since the demise of my husband and I had been forced to share my son's makeshift house. This was not only shameful and humiliating but also against our community's culture and traditions, sharing a house with one's son. It used to make me so sad and very unhappy. The situation was worsened by the fact that I had little children that needed my care and attention, therefore, there was no chance to look for a better or proper job. I am so grateful to GiveDirectly.

It was around 9:30 in the morning when I was on my way to school I was attending a parent's meeting. I later heard a loud vibration from my cellphone and because I was late for the meeting I decided to proceed. However, after like five minutes, another message popped in. I was now curious ad decided to check whose message it was. I realized that it was an Mpesa message that I had anxiously been waiting for. I was super excited and I remember having returned home and spread the news with my family members.

Being a widow, my life has been full of sorrows all along. My spouse passed on three years ago, leaving behind six children whom I have been taking care of for all their needs. Having depended on the odd jobs with a meager income, sometimes I could barely afford to fend for their daily basic needs. This was not however the major challenge that I have been experiencing. The state of my house was the major concern since it would collapse anytime and I was afraid my in-laws would not accommodate me in their respective houses. I have had sleepless nights especially whenever it could rain, we had to squeeze ourselves in one corner of the house till the rain stops. It was a tough experience that I wouldn't wish anyone to undergo the same. To add to that, my children never had ample space for them to study at night and this could affect their academic performance. Therefore after receiving my first transfer, building the house was my priority. As a parent, am so excited and thankful because finally I can smile. Sheltering comfortably under one roof with all my children has restored our dignity and joy in our lives which makes a difference in my daily life.

I spent part of my first transfer on buying buiding materials such as iron sheets at KES 9750, building poles at KES 5000, timber, thread, and timber at a total of KES 3000. I had to prioritize purchasing all these purposely for the construction of a new house because the previous one was in a bad state and with a grass thatched roof. Every year, I had to change the roofing which was a bit expensive and I am happy with this permanent solution. I will even save the money that I have been using for the renovation and cater to other basic needs. Also, I paid school fees KES 5000 for my son who is in secondary school and KES 2000 for this for the four in primary schools respectively. With the remaining amount, I bought enough foodstuff for my family that would at least last for two months.