I have a new goal which is to save enough cash so that I can be able to renovate my house. It has an old leaky roof and the walls are very weak, I am always in fear that it might collapse anytime. Also, whenever it rains, it is always the worst moment in our lives because most of our properties get damaged, hence resulting in huge losses. I, therefore, believe that once I will be able to renovate it, it will restore our joy and peace as a family which is what we have been yearning for.

According to me, GiveDirectly does everything so well in so many ways. First, the cash transfer was sent directly into my Mpesa account on the exact date that I was promised during the enrolment period. To add that, the money was unconditional and non-refundable which stood out the most. Therefore, I do not see any sector GiveDirectly failed or did wrong to us.

I spent part of my second transfer on buying a water tank which cost $56. I am so grateful that I can now harvest and store water for both domestic and commercial purposes. Initially, I had none and I have been using small jerricans which were not helpful enough especially during the dry seasons. To add to that, I bought a mattress for $45 for my children which will be a relief to them since they have been sleeping on the floor for years. As a parent, I am overjoyed and grateful because they no longer complain about the pains they have been undergoing. To add on that I cleared fees and bought stationeries for my two children in form one and three respectively. They will study peacefully without any disturbances for the remaining days of this academic year. With the remaining amount, I bought food for my seven family members which served us for almost a month.

I was busy serving my clients at my food kiosk when I heard my phone ringing, an alert of a message. I checked the message because I thought it was one of my customers requesting food. To my surprise, it was an mpesa message informing me that I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I could not hide the joy that I felt even to my customers since they were surprised by the sudden happiness. I thanked GiveDirectly because the transfer could improve my food kiosk business.

Through the financial support, I was able to expand my food kiosk by purchasing more stock to operate with. I am operating this food kiosk in our trading centre and it has been my only source of livelihood. The income from it has been a lifesaver since I am able to adequately fend for my family's basic needs like food with ease. Additionally, I have two children in high school and the income from the food kiosk has been helping me pay for them on time. My husband is unemployed and was it not for this food kiosk, I would not have managed to pay fees for my children. I thank GiveDirectly because buying more stock through the transfer means more sales hence increased profit.

I had begun a project of building a new spacious house for my family when the support came. I was plastering the house and I needed 30 bags of cement to complete the whole house. I thus spent Ksh. 19500 on buying the cement to facilitate the completion of my project. Secondly, I paid Ksh. 17000 for my children's school fees. I cleared the fees on time and I am happy that my children are studying without interruptions on fees. I am also operating a food kiosk in our locality which has been my only source of income. I thus took Ksh. 10000 and purchased enough stock which includes wheat flour, cooking oil and other items. Lastly, I spent Ksh. 8000 on buying two goats which I am currently keeping. These are the living assets that I can rely on in case of a dire financial need.