In the coming year, my plan is to focus on crop and livestock farming, which I believe will provide a sustainable income for my family. I intend to use my next transfer to buy more sheep as they multiply quickly. Alongside livestock, I am planning to plant butternut squash, a crop that thrives in our area and promises good returns. The profits from these investments will be crucial for prioritizing my children's education. With eleven children to care for, my ultimate goal is to ensure that all of them finish school and have better opportunities for the future. I didn't have the chance to go to school myself, but I have seen firsthand the difference education can make. Those who have had the privilege of an education lead more stable and fulfilling lives, and I want the same for my children, not just for their sake but also so that they can support me in my old age.

One area where GiveDirectly excels in delivering unconditional cash transfers is in providing education through community meetings (barazas), particularly regarding M-Pesa security. I always keep my pin secret and consistent, which ensures that my funds are safe. I also appreciate that the organization maintains a strict policy against dishonesty; if someone attempts to deceive, they will not receive their transfer. From the organization’s perspective, this integrity is evident in the transfers because we receive the exact amount that was promised, fostering trust within the community. I encourage GiveDirectly to continue this transparent approach, especially regarding the amount given, as receiving funds in installments enhances our ability to plan effectively for our needs. If there is an opportunity for additional support in the future, I kindly ask that we receive it, as this assistance truly uplifts lives. With further support, I believe we can achieve even greater transformations in our community.

I have three children in secondary school, and raising their fees has been a significant challenge, especially for the one in Form Four, where a zero balance is required. The accumulated arrears stood at $790. To meet these expenses, I rely heavily on crop and livestock farming, which has been manageable in previous years. However, I lost three acres of seed maize this year to floods, which would have helped clear the fees. As a result, I had to sell 14 goats and sheep, leaving me with only the young ones. When I received my second transfer, I decided to commit the entire amount to school fees, ensuring that my children’s education continued uninterrupted. I have planted an acre and a half of beans, and with a successful harvest, I will use the proceeds to clear the remaining balance.

It was evening when I was walking home with my friend, who is also a recipient of GiveDirectly. We were coming back from the farm, but I was feeling very stressed because my three kids had been sent home from school due to unpaid fees. Then, a message popped up on my phone, and at the same time, my friend's phone also received a message. We both checked our phones, not knowing what to expect and to our surprise, we had each received $180 from GiveDirectly. I was so excited and relieved. The journey back home suddenly felt lighter, as I couldn’t wait to get there and tell my kids that they could return to school because I now had the money. It was an unforgettable feeling.

The biggest change in my life since I started receiving transfers from GiveDirectly is in my children's education. My kids are now in school like others, especially my son, who is in Form 4. His education is at a critical stage, and I didn’t want any interruptions, which is why I chose to use the money on school fees to keep him in school. Another significant difference is the availability of food. Before these transfers, I had nothing left on the farm after the floods. But since GiveDirectly stepped in, my family has had enough food, and I am truly grateful for their support.

Three of my children had been sent home from school due to unpaid fees, and they had been at home for five days before I received the money. I was extremely stressed, as I had no other way to get the funds. So, I changed my plans and used $150 to send my kids back to school. I deeply value education and believe it will change their lives and the future of our family. It was a great relief to see them return to school, especially my child, who is in Form 4. It had been disturbing and stressful to see his education interrupted. I used the remaining $30 to buy food because we were struggling with food at home. Now, thanks to GiveDirectly, my family has enough to eat.