The goal that I have had all along is building new and better houses for my family and I with cement-reinforced walls. This is because the one we have been living in previously was barely covered in grass all over and was so insecure. I also intended to buy 3 beds, one for my husband and I, as well as one for each of my daughter and son, because we have all been sleeping on the floor which was very frustrating and uncormfortable especially for my children who are in school and could barely get a goodnight's sleep for a productive school day.

All I can say is that GiveDirectly is delivering and meeting our expectations as a community. We have been facing challenges that only cash could enable us to address them appropriately and effectively. Personally, educating my children was a very huge challenge. The house we have been living in as well, but through GiveDirectly I have been able to build better houses for my children and me and send them to school. Therefore, I am grateful. GiveDirectly is doing everything right according to me.

Most of my cash went into building the house. I bought iron sheets at a cost of KES17000 for my own house and my childrens' for KES14000. It was very difficult to keep my children safe either at night or whenever it rains. So, I used to ask my neighbors with better houses to accommodate my children when it rains or at night, at times. This used to be so humiliating and shameful to me because I always wanted to fulfill the responsibility of taking care of my children without having to ask my neighbors to intervene. I also bought 3 goats at a cost of KES6000 because given the dry climate of our area goats are able to survive unlike cows. These goats are a source of hope and future redemption for me since when they give birth and multiply I will be able to sell one or two and meet my financial needs.

I had attended funeral service in my neighbour's homestead when I received the Mpesa message on my phone. I was with my husband who confirmed that it was the transfer that we were anticipating from GiveDirectly. I was overwhelmed with joy after receiving the transfer that would transform our lives for the better.

The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am now leading a happy life unlike before. Through the transfer, I was able to clear the fee balances for my children and they are learning without being interrupted. Previously, I was worried about the future of my children since I lack enough money to support their education.

For almost a year now, I had wished to complete the construction of my house which I had stopped due to insufficient funds to acquire the building materials. I spent $300 of the transfer to purchase 14 iron sheets, 30 bags of cement, and nails. Furthermore, I spent $160 to clear the fees arrears for my daughter who is in secondary school. Most of the time she was at home due to huge fee balances something that kept me worried about her performance. I also used $60 to pay part of the fee for my son who is taking a driving course. The remaining amount assisted me to purchase enough food for the family.