Food insecurity is something that has become a thorn in our flesh for us. We have depended so much on maize crops yet the crop is so susceptible to pests and diseases and highly affected by the vagaries of weather. I have made a deliberate effort to diversify in planting a variety of food crops such as sorghum, millet, and sweet potatoes. That way I will be food secure and won't have to purchase the food which at times can be very expensive and unaffordable.

The Givedirectly staff were honest in dealing with us. They told us the truth and kept their promise and we were happy about the program. Indeed we have never experience such help before. I like the idea of follow-up to check on our progress since it keeps us on track and to do meaningful work with the money.

Nothing beats the joy I had, my house was in a deplorable condition and it was really bad. It was grass thatched and old at the same time, getting by grass to replace the old one is a tall order. As a reult, during rainy season the house was inhabitable since it could let in water. It was against this backdrop that I used the transfer to build an iron-roofed house. I used KES 20000 for the construction. I was elated that my house had gotten a new facelift and I no longer worry about the cold during rainy seasons.

Receiving the message notification from GiveDirectly hit me when I least expected. I was running my daily chores at around 10 am when my helper came in asking whether I had received anything from GiveDirecly. At that moment, I had no idea since I had not been able to read any message on my phone due to my advanced age and illiteracy. I had to pass my phone to him, and indeed I had received KES 55000. I was so excited and thanked God so much for the support from GiveDirectly as the thought of finally initiating my projects was here with me. I had plans to obtain an additional cow, pay school fees for my grandchildren, and also add some foodstuff to my food baskets. It was a great feeling, and I am still thankful that GiveDirectly is still following up on us even after giving us the support.

The biggest difference in my daily life after receiving the first transfer is the cow that I obtained. This has given me hope of enjoying an additional production of milk sooner. This will be an opportunity to earn an extra income from the sale of milk that will in turn help in sorting other household bills.

I had been hoping to expand, my livestock farming over a long time since it is the easiest investment that requires only grazing fields and enough water around. The one cattle I had been having had been giving us just enough milk for the home use, and the need for a second one was inevitable as I needed to be selling surplus milk to earn some income. On receiving the first transfer, I spent KES 25000 on obtaining a five-month in-calf breed. I also obtained a new piece of furniture at KES 10000 to replace the old wooden benches I had been having in my house, prepared my piece of land, and obtained two sachets of maize seeds to be planted soon at a total of KES3000. With the remaining amount, I managed to use KES 1100 on settling school fees for my two grandchildren who have been staying with me and used the last KES6000 on obtaining a sack of maize and a half a sack of beans that are currently serving as our daily foodstuff. I am thankful that I have managed to accomplish a lot and looking forward to the second transfer so that I can venture into other new projects.