Lacking formal education and aspiring to be self-employed, my focus lies in agriculture. I possess two hectares of cassava awaiting harvest, ensuring a potential income exceeding $100. To enhance crop yields, I intend to implement furrow irrigation using connected water pipes, diminishing dependence on erratic rainfall. The direction ahead is evident – an independent venture in agriculture, nurturing both crops and opportunities for a prosperous future.

Initially, I perceived GiveDirectly's promise as a jest, but my joy knew no bounds when the Mpesa message arrived. I am immensely grateful for turning my dream of owning cows into a reality. Initially having only one cow, which fell ill and had to be sold, the funds from GiveDirectly enabled me to acquire two. Your support has uplifted me from a distant place to a better one, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude. May your compassionate spirit persist in aiding those in need within the community.

Once reliant on charcoal burning and odd agriculture jobs, my life took a turn with a recent transfer. Wondering how to secure my children's education and ensure a stable future, I invested $300 in two cows. The vision was simple: as cows multiplied, so would my bank account. Their higher selling price compared to goats promised a robust return. With this, I planned to cover the school fees for my five children.Allocating the remaining funds, I ensured sufficient food for my family and embraced a joyous December Christmas. This transformation was made possible by GiveDirectly, liberating me from the grind of charcoal burning and agricultural toil. The cows not only symbolized hope for my children's education but also a newfound financial stability, breaking the cycle of day-to-day struggles.

It was exactly 3:13 PM when I was just relaxing, having just arrived from the farm, exhausted from a long day's work. I heard my phone ringing loudly, and since I couldn't read on my own, I asked my son to check for me who had sent the message. I couldn't believe what he said; I had received my first cash transfer from GiveDirectly. Overwhelmed with joy, I couldn't contain my excitement. I knew this meant I could finally afford good bedding, ending the nights of sleeping on the hard floor. That moment was a turning point, and to this day, I'm still filled with gratitude and happiness, knowing that a simple text message changed my life for the better.

The most significant change in my daily life since I began receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly is the presence of four goats in my compound. Owning goats had always been a dream of mine, but the financial burden was simply too great to bear on my own. These goats are more than just livestock; they represent a lifeline in times of financial crisis. With them, I have a safety net, a source of income, and a means to secure my family's future. One of the most pressing challenges I faced before was ensuring that my two children could attend junior secondary school regularly, as I relied solely on income from farming, which could be unpredictable. But now, with the goats, I can confidently provide for their education, knowing that I have a sustainable source of income. These cash transfers have not only given me the means to fulfill my dream of owning livestock but have also opened up a world of opportunities for my family's well-being and education, marking a profound and transformative difference in our lives.

Upon receiving my cash transfer, the first thing I did was use almost $236 of the funds to purchase two beds and two mattresses. We had been sleeping on the floor using mats for as long as I could remember, and it was a painful experience every night. The simple luxury of sleeping in proper beds has brought so much comfort and relief to my family. It's amazing how something as basic as a bed can make such a significant difference in our lives. Now, my children and I can rest peacefully and wake up refreshed, ready to face each day with renewed energy. Aside from that, I decided to invest in our future. I used $200 of the remaining funds to buy four goats. These goats are not just living assets; they are also a form of wealth creation for me. I believe that over time, they will multiply, and I'll have a small herd. This will ensure that I won't have to struggle to provide for my family in times of emergency because I can sell their offspring. Moreover, having them also provides a sense of security, something I didn't have before. With the little amount left, I'm planning to start a retail shop, which will begin operating in just two weeks' time. This will be a reliable source of income for us, in addition to the income from farming activities, and it will provide us with greater financial stability. I'm filled with hope and gratitude for the opportunities this cash transfer has opened up for my family of three.