My new goal is to purchase a sewing machine that will help me in starting a tailoring shop. This will be my reliable source of livelihood for my family. I had desired to start this business because I am skilled in dressmaking but I lacked the starting capital. This forced me to resort in charcoal vending a job that earns very minimal income.

In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in coming up with a cash transfer program. The sending of unconditional cash direct to our phones was what pleases me most. I was free to choose on my own the way to spent it to transform my life. In my opinion, I feel that there is nothing that it does not do well.

For 7 years, my husband has been suffering from lung and abdominal problems. He was required to undergo surgery but I lacked the finances to cater for the medical expenses. I spent KES 22,000 to take my husband for the surgery, I am currently happy he is doing well and grateful for the transfer. In addition, I spent KES 2,400 to clear the fee arrears for my 2 children who are still in lower classes. With the remaining amount, I bought enough food for my family since we had no food in our stores.

Early morning on that material day, I left for the field to graze my goats and left my phone at home charging. On returning home by noon, I found a message that was sent at around 9am. Curiously I opened it since I had heard some rumors about people receiving money that day. My eyes were filled with tears not because of fear but I had seen a solution to a problem that had been troubling my heart for a while.

The biggest difference I can attest from this transfer is how it helped me to settle my husband’s hospital bill. It was something that was giving me sleepless nights just figuring out knowing not where I was going to get the money for my husband to be discharged from the hospital. I also managed to acquire a water pot. Having a water pot is something adorable because it’s like having a fridge. Water pots make water to cool which a good thing especially during this dry season which it’s too hot.

On receiving the money, the first thing was to solve an issue that had grabbed me of my joy and that was a hospital bill for my husband who had undergone some surgery due to some stomach complications. I took KES 20,000.00 and settled the bill and also I bought some goats for KES 15000.00. I opted for goats over cows because goats can survive in a dry climate than cows. I also took KES 5000.00 and bought a mattress since the one I had was worn-out. Looking at how dry our area is and the hunger that is striking our people, I bought a sack of maize at KES 3000.00. The remaining amount, I took KES 1200.00 and paid fees for my two primary school children and also bought a water pot at KES 800.00 and saved the rest for future use.