GiveDirectly does well by giving the unconditional transfers to the needy people. The transfers have enabled me to buy food. Because of the famine we have been experiencing, it has been difficult for me to buy food for my family, but currently I can be able to provide that to my family, which is something I really appreciate.

I spent a larger portion of my second transfer in buying food for the family. The drought menace has made us struggle so much because we heavily depended on the farm, which is currently not the case. When the drought started, I switched my energy and resources to selling charcoal in the markets to earn a living. The business is not all rosy as I have had to settle for the low earnings I get due to low charcoal demand. Besides buying food, I also purchased new clothes for myself. The clothes were worth KSH 550. I bought the clothes because mine were worn out. With the remaining KSH 1000, I bought three chickens. I bought the chicken so that I would slowly gain wealthy by having lots of livestock, sell some and eventually buy cows since they are my primary goal for me to own.

I received the text message that I had received the transfer at 9 am. I was on my way heading to check up on a friend who was very sick. When I confirmed the transfer was from GiveDirectly, I called my son who was back at home, and shared the good news with him. He too was very happy. Later on, after coming back I sat down with my family and we discussed how we should spend the amount.

Yes, the transfer has made a big difference in my life. I am now optimistic that in a few months to come I will be starting the process of building my house which I have wanted to build for the longest time of my life.

I am currently living in a small house that is leaking and has very many cracks. I have always wanted to build a new house for myself but financial constraints have been a major challenge. When I was enrolled in the program I decided I will use the money to build a new house. When I received the first transfer I used KSH 1000 in buying some 2 pieces of wood that will be used to make a nice door for the house I am planning to build. I also spent KSH 600 buying some fruits and vitamin c supplements. Well, I mostly depend on these for my survival since they boost my immunity. I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. To keep my health in check I eat fruits and vitamin c supplements. I also spent the rest of the amount KSH 1400 in buying food for my family. The food stock was depleted and I decided to add more so that we do not go hungry.