I have an additional goal which is to start a business selling vegetables in the village. We only have two individuals who operate such kind of a business in my region and I felt there was a need for me to pick that up. Also since I am jobless this would be the only business that would improve my living standard. I am hopeful that very soon this will be achievable.

In my opinion, GiveDirectly did a very good job and this is noticeable from all the transformations in the entire villages. The fact that the money was sent directly into our accounts, empowered us to purchase what we needed the most in our household. On the other hand, so far I do not see any sector in that GiveDirectly is not doing good, all went well.

I spent KES 40000 to clear school few for my two children who are in college both in their second years. This has been my biggest challenge because I have been jobless and we only depend on my spouse who is a driver by profession. The little he earned (KES 150) a day was too little to fund all the basic needs and pay fees on time. As a result, I have been depending on the well-wishers to pay the fees and sometimes the government bursaries. With the remaining amount of money, I bought foodstuffs for the family and decent clothes for my kid.

The moment I received the money I was extremely happy and for sure I couldn't hold the joy. It was around 9:30 in the morning when I was from the dam when I saw the Mpesa message indicating that I had received my first transfers as I had been assured during the enrolment stage. I decided to call all my family members and share the good news with them. We started celebrating and thanking our God for the financial breakthrough. I also knew that my daughter I will finally be in a position to send my child to school. It was for sure one of the memorable days of my life.

The biggest difference in my daily life is that the transfers have empowered me to clear school fees for my daughter who is in college. Previously she used to be sent home more often due to fee arrears and she even opted to stay home. This has been frustrating me as a parent because I have been jobless ever since and I have been depending on my spouse who burns and sells charcoal as the main source of income. This business was not that lucrative because he could only earn KES 150 on a good day which was also not a guarantee. With a family of twelve members, all he could fully afford was to provide for our daily meals. With the issue of school fees, I have been applying for the bursaries which were still not enough. The moment I received my transfer my priority was to send her back to college and I am happy she is now studying without any distraction. I am assured that once she completes school and acquires a good job, she will change her future generation. Had it not been to GiveDirectly I would not have achieved all this.

I spent KES 50000 of my first transfer on paying college fees for my child who is in college. She has been on and off and missing exams was like her routine because of the arrears that has accumulated. Today, I am glad that she is attending regularly without being sent home due to fees like she used to. The money came I good time because the exams were fast approaching it was obvious we wouldn't be able to sit for it. Lastly, with the amount of money that had remained, I bought foodstuffs like vegetables, maize flour, sugar, and some other household items which I was lacking at that particular moment eg Utensils. I no longer borrow those of my friends like before and I am grateful for that.