Had it not been for the transfer from GiveDirectly, I wouldn't have been able to start my own business. I am a Field Officer for a Non-Governmental Organisation, which is a volunteer position. I can hardly afford to meet my basic needs. This is a strenuous situation to be in, especially since I am responsible for providing the basic needs for my two nephews, since my sister passed away. Because of this, I used to be under constant stress because I did not have enough money. After receiving this transfer however, I paid my nephews' school fees, bought food and acquired a motorbike. I've employed someone to ferry passengers, and I've been earning at least KES 300 a day. I'm able to meet my family's needs and this makes me so happy.

GiveDirectly has done well by enabling many people fulfill their dreams. Personally, I always dreamt of starting a business, which I've been able to do from the transfer I've received from GD. Others in my community wished to own livestock such as dairy cows that could make it possible for them to feed their families, which has been made possible by GiveDirectly. I do not think that there's anything that GiveDirectly has not done well.

I've always thought that owning a motorbike and employing someone to ferry passengers would be a profitable business for me. So I spent KES 40,000 from the transfer to acquire one. I'm glad that so far I've made KES 300 a day, and so I'm able to meet my basic needs. In addition to this, I spent KES 5,000 on school fees for my two nephews, since I became their sole provider when my sister passed away. Finally, I spent KES 8,150 household utensils and food, to ensure that there's enough food for the household.

I was at the dam with my relatives at around 10 in the morning when I heard a vibration from my phone. I was curious and asked one of my relatives to confirm who it might be. On checking, she realized that it was an Mpesa message from Segovia Technology that I had anxiously been waiting for. I was extremely happy and I remember having to leave my jerrican and retuned home since I couldn't even concentrate. I will forever be thankful for GiveDirectly for coming into my life that I had lost hope.

The biggest difference in my daily life is that through the transfers, I am now sleeping on a spacious modern bed and a high-density mattress. Initially, I used to sleep on the traditional beds and mats which was so stressful. During that time, I was always attacked by some harmful insects like bedbugs and jiggers which I had to seek medication regularly. Besides I was always complaining of back pains because of the uncomfortable bed. Life was really tough by then and at times I couldn't opt to sit on the bed till dawn. To add to that, there was no privacy since we used to share the same bed with my children. Therefore the coming of GiveDirectly into my life has transformed everything because we are now sleeping comfortably. I no longer experience the sleepless nights because of backpains as before

I spent part of my first transfer in buying a new bed and mattress worthy of KES 15000. I bought all these to replace the old beddings that have been using for years which were in bad condition. Also, I cleared school fees for my son who is in his third year. In addition, I started a grocery shop business in the village, and it's perfectly doing well now. Also, I bought new clothes for my children and me to replace the old rags. With the remaining amount, I bought enough food for the family.